New report on the future of work attracts attention of UK parliamentarians

A new online report exploring the impact of the pandemic, an ageing workforce and new technology on work, and setting out evidence-led policy recommendations from University of Manchester researchers on the best way ahead has been positively received by MPs.

Published by the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Working Futures is a collection of seven articles spanning a broad range of interrelated subject areas including equality at work, the need for greater support for those in frontline services, extending working lives for older employees and the implications of the digital revolution.

Working Futures from Policy@Manchester 

In her foreword, Naomi Clayton, Deputy Director at the Learning and Work Institute, highlights growing inequalities in the UK labour market alongside limited progression from low pay. 

She writes: “Policymakers should also explore how innovation and technological developments can be shaped, in part through regulation, to ensure as many workers benefit as possible.” 

Ms Clayton adds: “The contributions in this Policy@Manchester publication consider the policy implications of a range of these issues.  The articles consider the impact of changes in the labour market from a range of different perspectives – and, crucially, present evidence-led ideas about how we might address challenges and tackle inequalities.”

Stephen McPartland, the Conservative MP for Stevenage and a member of the All- Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Future of Work, welcomed the new report as an important contribution to building a deeper understanding of the challenges that are already shaping working life for millions across the country.

“Every single one of us is currently living through some of the most profound, rapid, and far-reaching changes in human history,” he commented. “Nowhere is that more apparent than in the nation’s workplaces. The new Working Futures report produced by University of Manchester researchers contains a wealth of robust, evidence-based research that can shape policy responses and help us prepare for a very different future.”

After reading the report, Kirsten Oswald, the Scottish National Party MP for East Renfrewshire and another member of the Future of Work APPG, expressed concerns that ongoing changes to the world of work could exacerbate inequalities that already exist.  

She continued: “Technology, AI, and changes in what consumers and society demand, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on how we work, mean continued change is inevitable.  If we don’t want to risk increased polarisation and an explosion in low-wage high-turnover jobs, we need to act to secure the future of work in a way that will benefit society.”

Ms Oswald, her party’s spokesperson on Equalities and Women, also called for action from Ministers to hardwire equality into a rapidly changing workplace environment.     

“Wellbeing, fair work, flexibility, and the smart use of technology and AI across all job sectors are the way forward,” she said.  “That will require determined action from the government, and a willingness to let go of outmoded ideas about what work will look like.”

She added: “Positive change is not inevitable, but taking the steps to deliver structures to support a better working future will pay dividends across society.”

Working Futures is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Housing association enterprise head shortlisted for Yorkshire Leadership Awards

Adrian Green, the manager of not-for-profit company Unity Enterprise which promotes community-based entrepreneurship in Leeds, has been shortlisted for a Yorkshire Leadership Award.

He is one of five contenders in the Public and Third Sector category for the awards which “celebrate the people that are role models within their organisations and raise the bar for their competitors.”

Established as a not-for-profit subsidiary of BME-led housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise in 2000, Unity Enterprise provides 142 managed workspaces for more than 90 local businesses in three facilities – Unity Business Centre, Chapeltown Enterprise Centre and Leeds Media Centre – close to Leeds city centre.

The number of units increased in the summer of 2023 following the completion of a £1.8 million Leeds Media Centre redevelopment scheme, overseen by Mr Green in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, which created 12 new business units and a bespoke business hub which is due to open shortly. 

Adrian Green

Mr Green, who joined Unity Enterprise in 2016, said: “I am deeply humbled to be shortlisted.

“Works to redevelop Leeds Media Centre began in the autumn of 2022, so I regard this recognition as acknowledgement of a year-long team effort that has delivered an outstanding community resource.

“My Unity Enterprise colleagues deserve immense credit for what has been achieved, together with our tenants who continued to trade throughout the construction phase without complaint.

“More than 900 people are now employed across our three business centres, all contributing to local economic wellbeing.

“With the new hi-tech business hub set to open its doors early in the New Year, exciting times lie ahead for aspiring entrepreneurs in the city.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “Unity Enterprise’s primary purpose is to encourage and support local people to become self-employed and build sustainable businesses which employ individuals from the local area and help to regenerate deprived neighbourhoods.  

“Adrian lives and breathes that mission and merits every bit of praise he receives.  

“The leadership he demonstrated throughout the pandemic, when he was able to keep all three business centres safely open even during periods of lockdown, was outstanding.

“His management of the Leeds Media Centre refurbishment has rightly strengthened his reputation even further.”

 The winners of the Yorkshire Leadership Awards 2024 will be announced on 21 March.

UK government action needed to minimise geopolitical risks to reaching net zero

The benefits to the UK of accelerating the move away from fossil fuels towards clean energy alternatives have been made stark by the invasion of Ukraine, a prominent University of Manchester academic has argued.

But, in an article published by Policy@Manchester, Professor Matthew Paterson warns that “the energy transition raises its own questions for future geopolitical dynamics and conflict.”

These include concerns over the availability of various critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and copper which are crucial to clean energy transitions.  “They are central to wind and solar electricity technologies, as well as to the batteries essential for the electrification of transport,” he writes.  “The locations of these resources are already becoming the sites of intense geopolitical competition between major powers just as the location of oil, and more recently natural gas, have been since the early 20th century.”

Matthew Paterson, Professor of International Politics at The University of Manchester and Research Director of the Sustainable Consumption Institute

Professor Paterson highlights that even prior to rises in natural gas prices which started several months before the invasion of Ukraine, “it was already the case that solar and wind electricity were often substantially cheaper than gas and coal.”  

And whilst he is critical of “net zero sceptic politicians looking to undermine climate policy,” he accepts that there is “a kernel of truth” in their arguments around cost and the impacts on social inequalities.  He writes: “While a renewable energy system would be overall cheaper to run, and limit exposure to geopolitical risks at least in the oil and gas sectors, there are significant upfront costs. This is the case, for example, regarding installing heat pumps across around 22 million homes in the UK; switching from a petrol car to an electric vehicle (EV), although this cost differential is rapidly declining; creating a fully-fledged EV charging infrastructure; and updating the grid for a renewables-dominated system. How these are to be paid for, and who would immediately benefit, are crucial questions.”

The University of Manchester academic argues that more aggressive UK government climate policies have the potential “to play a significant role in improving energy security – both in terms of national security and in terms of the security of individual citizens.”  And he makes the case for a range of strategies and policies to counter the potential impact of future geopolitical dynamics and conflict.

These include new measures to reduce energy demand and help wean the UK economy off natural gas, “thus mitigating the price volatility induced by geopolitical crises.”  Also, a push to decarbonise housing through more heat pumps and the use of electric rather than gas cookers.

In transport, Professor Paterson proposes additional support to shift people’s habits away from private cars towards active travel and public transport, with the government also providing extra investment in road transport electrification.  

And he advocates the acceleration of domestic renewable electricity generation which, over the last 10 years, has focused largely on offshore wind “but there is significant untapped potential both for onshore wind and solar, which have largely been hampered by regulatory blockages that need reversing.”

Professor Paterson concludes: “These measures combined would keep the UK’s transition to net zero on course and enhance climate policy ambition, while focusing on those elements that minimise geopolitical risks – both from continued fossil fuel dependence, and from the new energy economy centred on renewables and electrification.”

Freedom energy: minimising geopolitical risks to reach net zero by Professor Matthew Paterson is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

University of Manchester wins Platinum Engage Watermark for public engagement excellence

The University of Manchester has been awarded a Platinum Watermark in recognition of its outstanding public engagement work.

The charter mark, granted to universities by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), follows a rigorous assessment process including a thorough examination of documentary evidence together with in-depth interviews and focus groups with staff, academics and project partners.  

Platinum is the highest of four levels of Engage Watermark.  It recognises “exceptional strategic leadership of public engagement, high standards of professional support and excellence in partnership working.”

Key features of The University of Manchester’s public engagement activities which drew particular praise from the assessors included efforts to open up the campus and cultural institutions to become more welcoming and accessible for community use, the involvement of partners and communities in shaping research, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The University also has a dedicated policy engagement unity, Policy@Manchester, which connects researchers with public policymakers.

Professor Cecilia Wong

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, said: “Our highly professional team works alongside academics across the University to engage directly with politicians, officials, influencers and many others to feed into the policymaking process.  We also host regular events which are open to the public, ensuring that as many people as possible can actively engage with what we do.

“I am thrilled that the University’s public engagement activities have been rewarded with the Platinum Engage Watermark and feel immensely proud of Policy@Manchester’s role in this achievement.”    

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “As a passionate advocate for public engagement, I’m proud that we have embedded a culture of high-quality practice through our core goal of social responsibility. We are delighted to be recognised nationally with a prestigious Platinum Watermark for our sustained excellence and leadership in public engagement.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and lead for Greater Manchester Combined Authority for Economy and Inclusive Growth, said: “I am proud that we have The University of Manchester as a civic partner. This award is great recognition for the University’s collaborative work with local communities, councils, business and civic partners to address to address real priorities and realise mutual benefit through the GM Civic University Agreement.”

Sophie Duncan, Co-director of the NCCPE, said: “At the NCCPE, as well as challenging the sector and campaigning for change, we champion excellent practice. We’re delighted to be able to award The University of Manchester a Platinum Engage Watermark for their sustained and deep-rooted commitment to public engagement, which has been informed by consultation with staff, students and partners.”

New defibrillators to support local community in Leeds

Three new defibrillators will be made available to the local community in Chapeltown near Leeds city centre by Unity Enterprise with support from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The devices, which are fully automated and provide simple voice prompts on how to use in the event of cardiac arrest, will be mounted on an external wall at each of the three business centres operated by Unity Enterprise – the not for profit subsidiary company of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise - so they are accessible to the public 24 hours per day.

The defibrillator to be located at the recently refurbished Leeds Media Centre has been fully resourced by the DHSC’s £1 million Community Automated External Defibrillators Fund, created to increase the number of defibrillators in public places where they are most needed and to help save lives.

The devices at Unity Business Centre and Chapeltown Enterprise Centre have been jointly funded by the DHSC and Unity Enterprise. 

Collectively, the three centres provide more than 140 affordable units for over 80 diverse businesses which employ in excess of 900 people.   

Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive Cedric Boston (left) and Unity Enterprise manager Adrian Green with the defibrillator to be installed at Leeds Media Centre

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “We were thrilled that our funding applications were successful and thank the DHSC for its support.

“The fully automated nature of these defibrillators means that there are no official training requirements, which will provide confidence to users should that need arise.”     

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “As a community-based organisation, we are always keen to explore every avenue open to us to support local people in the Chapeltown area where we were founded and continue to be based.

“These devices should be invaluable in the unfortunate situation of someone going into cardiac arrest and we will do all we can to ensure surrounding neighbourhoods are aware of their presence.”  

 Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise chair, said: “Chapeltown was my home for eight years and I still have family and many friends living there.

“As well as supporting local businesses, we exist to protect the wellbeing of local people.

“The new defibrillators are potential lifesavers, and we are proud to be playing our part in providing them.”

All three devices will be installed and ready for use early in the New Year.

National awards recognition for West Yorkshire housing association

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been shortlisted in two categories for the Housing Digital Innovation Awards 2024.

The BME-led organisation, which manages more than 1,400 affordable homes in Bradford and Keighley, is in the final running for the ‘Most Innovative Approach to Culture and Wellbeing’ prize as well as ‘Best Digital Experience (Landlords).’

MHA holds the highest achievable gradings from the Regulator of Social Housing and is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

In partnership with the Housing Diversity Network, it recently organised a packed programme of activities for all staff to celebrate National Inclusion Week including communal lunches, themed group discussions and national dress days.

The association has also placed a strong emphasis on the benefits of technology and earlier this year published a three-year digital business strategy to provide a roadmap for the efficient and effective use of IT to further improve the quality of services for its customers and staff team.

MHA staff celebrating National Inclusion Week 2023

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team who have worked so hard to establish the reputation that puts Manningham Housing Association in the running for these prestigious awards.

“We are a relatively small organisation and to be competing with much bigger housing associations is a credit to each and every member of the MHA family.

“Creating and maintaining a warm, welcoming and supportive culture for tenants and staff is vitally important to the senior management team.

“Being recognised for our efforts in digital is also particularly pleasing, given the limited budgets we have.”       

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “This is wonderful news for everyone involved with Manningham Housing Association.

“The dedication to excellence from staff at every level is a source of inspiration for the board.

“No one at MHA settles for second best, which is why we seek to push the boundaries in lots of different areas of activity including digital.

“This is an approach we will remain resolutely committed to.”        

The winners of the Housing Digital Innovation Awards 2024 will be announced in a ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday 8 February.  

Sleep crisis in North West discussed in Westminster and University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has co-hosted a high profile gathering of parliamentarians and sleep specialists to examine the problem of sleep disorders in the North West, which a recent SIMBA survey identified as the most sleep-deprived region in the country with more than 74% of people having less than seven hours of sleep per night.

Organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sleep with support from Policy@Manchester, the hybrid event attended by politicians, clinicians, employers, trade unions and others took place in Portcullis House in Westminster and at The University of Manchester’s Oxford Road campus.

Professor Martie van Tongeren (right) and Professor Pierluigi Cocco addressing the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Sleep meeting at The University of Manchester

The meeting concluded with agreement on a five-point action plan for the North West which includes calls for improved access to cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) for first line treatment, better public information on the types of sleep disorders and their prevention, and greater access for clinicians to sleep treatment and management options for their patients.

The impressive line-up of speakers included two leading academics from The University of Manchester - Pierluigi Cocco, Professor of Occupational Medicine, and Martie van Tongeren, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Their remarks included reflections on the how challenging working conditions such as night shifts, prolonged working hours and a “conflicting work environment” can impair sleep quality and quantity.

And they warned that sleep deprivation can harm cognitive performance, cause daytime drowsiness and negatively affect productivity.  

Professor Pierluigi Cocco said: “We're not going to change the 24/7 society.  Instead, we aim to suggest strategies to promote adaptation to it. 

“These may include flexibility in shift schedules, the use of a dynamic indoor illumination to maximise melatonin inhibition during working hours, the possibility of taking short naps during a night shift and providing helpful information about sleep hygiene to employees.”

Professor Martie van Tongeren said: “Sleep quality is not just affecting our work and productivity, work can also have an important impact on sleep quality and duration. Work-related stress and shift work are major contributors to sleep problems, and we need to improve our understanding on how to adapt the way we work to encourage good sleep.

“With the Centre for Biological Timing and the Thomas Ashton Institute at The University of Manchester, we have developed a novel light sensor to investigate light patterns during the day and the impact that this has on sleep and levels of fatigue. We were pleased to be able to share this research with the members of the APPG.”

Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the APPG for Sleep, said: “Sleep disorders are all too common right across the United Kingdom, but the problem is particularly prevalent in the North West of England which is why this meeting was so useful.

“The experts taking part in our wide-ranging discussion were incredibly impressive including Professor Pierluigi Cocco and Professor Martie Van Tongeren from The University of Manchester which has produced some really valuable research in this important subject area.

“Their insights on the potential for shift work to become a major contributor to chronic insomnia - therefore impacting on the ability to work - were particularly informative. 

“They also made a number of clear policy recommendations for employers and unions to help improve the situation, which I hope will be acted upon.”      

Proposed changes to donor anonymity laws risk increasing unfairness

New proposals to change the law protecting the anonymity of sperm and egg donors in the UK “would increase inconsistency and arguably unfairness” for many donor-conceived people, two experts in the field have warned.

Last month, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) proposed amending legislation to enable the removal of donor anonymity from the birth of a donor-conceived child.

Dr Lucy Frith

In their piece, published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Dr Caroline Redhead and Dr Lucy Frith argue that donor-conceived people already have significantly different rights to information about their sperm or egg donor - depending on the date of their conception - and the law change recommended by the HFEA would increase these inconsistencies.

The ConnecteDNA research team, led by Dr Frith, is examining the use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) by donor-conceived adults, donors and parents of donor-conceived people.

The academics write: “The HFEA has concluded that the integrity of the current legislative framework has been undermined by the impact of DTCGT.  It has therefore proposed that the law should be amended to make donors identifiable from the birth of any child born from their donation.”

Currently, they explain, those conceived by donors who donated before April 2005 have no access to identifying information about their donor. Those conceived after this date can apply for it only when they become adults.  Further: “The HFEA has not recommended a retrospective change in the law. This means that people born from donations made before 1 April 2005 will still have no legal route to access identifying information about their donor.”

Dr Redhead and Dr Frith observe that the HFEA’s Legislative Reform Advisory Group proposed consideration of the retrospective removal of donor anonymity. “This approach was taken in Victoria, Australia, where, in 2017, a reformed law granted all donor-conceived individuals the right to access identifying information about their donor, irrespective of when they were conceived,” they write.  “If the UK were to adopt a similar approach, addressing the practical implications for individuals conceived before the HFEA register’s establishment would be necessary.”

They continue: "The ConnecteDNA study has found that connections with donor siblings can be equally or more important to donor-conceived people. The desire to connect with same-donor families and siblings during a donor-conceived person’s childhood is a key driver for the use of DTCGT by parents of donor-conceived children.”

Dr Caroline Redhead

The academics point out that the HFEA’s Donor Sibling Link service (DSL) allows donor siblings to exchange contact details from the age of 18 by mutual consent.  They add: “Noting the importance to our participants of connections with donor siblings, we recommend that the Government consider reducing the age of access to the DSL.”

The University of Manchester experts conclude: “We recommend that a Law Commission project is established to explore how best to manage donor information in the UK, balancing the interests of donors, parents by donor conception and donor-conceived people, whatever the date of their conception. The UK Government should consider any findings and recommendations from this when reviewing further legislation or reform.”

‘Reforming UK fertility legislation: the effects of online DNA testing,’ by Dr Caroline Redhead and Dr Lucy Frith is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Manningham Housing Association is top of the bots

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has launched a new WhatsApp bot to boost around the clock assistance for tenants.

The application is designed to answer common questions relating to MHA's services including rent payments, maintenance requests and other tenant support via a real-time automated conversational experience.

It will also provide useful information about the association’s properties and surrounding neighbourhoods in Bradford and Keighley where most of its more than 1,400 affordable homes are located.

In addition to the WhatsApp bot, MHA is also introducing a new HR system with an accompanying app which will enable staff to book annual leave, claim their expenses, update personal payment details and access discount opportunities.  

The launch of the bot and app mark the latest stage in the rollout of MHA’s digital business strategy which represents a roadmap for the efficient and effective use of technology internally and externally over the next three years.

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager, said: “We are committed to providing our customers and colleagues with the best possible services.

“The launch of the WhatsApp bot and app are all part of MHA's ongoing efforts to improve our digital services and make it easier for people to interact with the organisation.

“The new HR system is user-friendly and efficient, helping MHA staff to manage their work-life balance.”

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager (centre), with staff colleagues at the association’s Bradford head office   

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to be introducing these transformative initiatives, which demonstrate MHA's continuous commitment to enhancing our digital offerings. 

“This also extends to website redesigning and the creation of a sleek, modern logo, to encourage even more people to engage with our organisation.

“Despite being a small housing association, we have established a reputation for punching well above our weight – not least in our desire to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital revolution.”   

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “Our digital business strategy, which the board was pleased to approve in the summer, incorporates four clear policy goals focused on innovation, efficient data use, minimising risks and digital inclusion.

“Running through them is an absolute commitment to use the best available technology to provide high quality services and support for our tenants and staff.

“We believe these latest advances will enable us to deliver even more for the betterment of the MHA family.”    

MP visits revolutionary bioprinting facility at University of Manchester

Academics from across The University of Manchester have today (Friday) hosted Bolton West MP Chris Green on an extended visit including a tour of the Bioprinting Technology Platform (BTP), a specialist national facility which houses the latest technology in 3D human tissue printing.

With support from the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s national centre for research and innovation for advanced materials, the lab gives researchers and industry access to the complete fabrication pipeline from cell culturing to product evaluation.

Funded by a £200,000 grant from the UK Space Agency and assisted by the European Space Agency, a University of Manchester team are currently investigating how to optimise the bioprinting process for conditions experienced in space, such as lack of gravity.

Using the unique capabilities of the BTP, researchers are also collaborating with clinicians and cell biologists to develop 3D models of human cartilage and bone.

Mr Green, who before entering Parliament spent almost two decades working as an engineer in the mass spectrometry industry, began his trip at the Dalton Nuclear Institute - the most advanced nuclear research capability in UK academia - where he was briefed on current projects by Professor Adrian Bull MBE, Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society. 

The Bolton West MP’s final destination on the visit, organised by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, was the Justice Hub to join a health-themed roundtable discussion with senior academics including Dr Philip Drake, Dr Jennifer Voorhees and Dr Jonathan Hammond.   

Bolton West MP Chris Green (right) visiting the Bioprinting Technology Platform with Dr Ian Wimpenny, Research and Facilities Manager

Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at The University of Manchester, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Chris and give him an insight into some of the pioneering work we do in partnership with businesses right across Greater Manchester.

“The University of Manchester's cutting-edge research in making a real difference in tackling pressing policy challenges.  That's why it is important for influencers of policy, including MPs across Greater Manchester, to see at first-hand the work being done and to take that evidence back with them to Westminster. 

“This was a particularly timely visit as the Chancellor announced a new investment zone for Greater Manchester in the recent Autumn Statement which will give further impetus to the work we do on innovation, advanced materials and manufacturing with our partners in the city-region."

Chris Green MP said: “It was a fascinating morning.

“The University of Manchester has a thoroughly merited global reputation for research excellence across a vast swathe of subject areas, not least in technology, innovation and health.

“I was deeply impressed by all I saw and heard, particularly in the Bioprinting Technology Platform where the remarkable work going on places Greater Manchester firmly at the forefront of the medical engineering revolution.

“I look forward to following the many exciting research projects happening across the University, with lots more in development.”          

New research uncovers the unequal impact of the cost-of-living crisis on BAME citizens

The cost-of-living crisis is having an unequal effect on different groups within the older population with those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds disproportionately affected, an article from University of Manchester academics has revealed.

Dr Camilla Lewis

Drawing on new research they have produced in collaboration with the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group, the Manchester BME Network and the Centre for Ageing Better, Dr Camilla Lewis, Dr Sophie Yarker and Professor Christopher Phillipson put forward a series of policy recommendations aimed at rectifying the imbalance.

Writing on the Policy@Manchester website, they highlight that, despite comprising only around 15% of the population in the UK, more than a quarter (26%) of those in ‘deep poverty’ – defined as more than 50% below the poverty line - are of BAME origin.  

And their research indicates that the cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on older BAME people.  “Existing inequalities place minority ethnic groups at heightened risk from the effects of high inflation and associated pressures,” they write. “These include the long-term impact of the pandemic, housing insecurity, the rising price of imported food, racism and discrimination, and language barriers resulting in limited access to services.”

With diversity in the UK population continuing to grow, the research team’s final report, includes several policy suggestions for local, regional and national decision-makers to consider.

Dr Sophie Yarker

First, as Lewis, Yarker and Phillipson explain in their piece, more action is needed to increase awareness of the ways the cost-of-living crisis is affecting older BAME people whilst recognising “that there is considerable diversity within and across different communities.”

Second, culturally appropriate community provisions - including face-to-face services and informal spaces for older people to socialise - should be prioritised “with support provided by staff and volunteers who speak a range of languages to ensure that older people from different groups feel welcome and included.”

Third, based upon findings from the research, greater efforts are required from local and national government to recognise “that services must be culturally sensitive to help maintain the independence of older people, respecting their diverse identities and backgrounds.” The University of Manchester academics add: “This should involve face-to-face specialist advice around debt, finances, pensions and other benefits, tailored to the specific needs of various groups to counteract various forms of stigma.”

Professor Christopher Phillipson

And fourth, they write, “as the older population is set to become more ethnically diverse in the years ahead, tackling inequality should be a priority for national government.”  Specific policy ideas which have emerged from the group’s research include  support for the idea of establishing a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England “to ensure that the diverse range of voices in later life are championed,” developing a new race equality strategy “to prevent gaps in finances and health in later life widening further,” and applying a “race equality lens” to the government’s levelling up agenda “to acknowledge and address inequalities among different ethnic groups.”

The authors conclude in their piece: “These measures would enable central government to address structural inequality, support some of the most vulnerable households during the period of economic crisis and help the country to weather future national crises.”

‘The Unequal Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis’ by Dr Camilla Lewis, Dr Sophie Yarker and Professor  Chris Phillipson is available to read in full on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Peer seeks UK Government action on starting salaries for Northern Ireland teachers

Northern Ireland peer Lord Rogan has tabled a parliamentary question asking the Government what discussions it has had with the devolved governments and trade unions over the geographical discrepancies in starting salaries for teachers across the UK.

Currently a newly qualified teacher in Northern Ireland starts on an annual salary of £24,137.  This compares with a starting salary in Scotland of £32,217 from January 2024.

In England, outside of London, new teachers receive £30,000 a year with those starting their career in Wales paid £30,742.    

Lord Rogan

Lord Rogan said: “New teachers in Scotland will receive a pay rise in January, meaning they will earn more than £8,000 more than their counterparts in Northern Ireland who work every bit as hard. 

“Teachers beginning their careers in England and Wales also receive significantly more than those in Northern Ireland.

“This week’s industrial action in local schools has brought this issue back to the fore, together with the fact that teachers in Northern Ireland have not received a pay rise for more than three years.

“In these circumstances, is not surprising that schools across the province are struggling to recruit and retain teaching staff, with many choosing to seek employment in Great Britain or leave the profession altogether.

“This is clearly very bad news for our schools but, most importantly, our children whose prospects are being gravely affected.

“In the absence of an Executive at Stormont, it is surely time for the UK Government to step forward and address this situation before the teaching brain drain in Northern Ireland runs dry.”    

Action needed to support vulnerable children through primary-secondary school transitions

The number of children experiencing poor emotional wellbeing during their transition from primary to secondary school is rising rapidly, a leading educational psychology expert has warned.

Drawing on research she has led at The University of Manchester, Dr Charlotte Bagnall highlights that the danger is most acute for vulnerable children such as those with special educational needs, adverse childhood experiences or in receipt of Pupil Premium Funding.

But in an article published by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, she stresses that greater knowledge of how best to support vulnerable children “has the potential to improve the mental health and educational trajectories of children across the life course, reducing long-term inequalities.”

Dr Charlotte Bagnall, The University of Manchester

Dr Bagnall observes that “children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties and without an education, health and care plan are also disproportionately more likely to be excluded and/or suspended” during the period of transition. However, better “collaboration and communication channels across systems and stakeholders” can improve matters. 

The University of Manchester academic makes three recommendations for education policymakers to consider as means of easing some of the principal difficulties experienced by children when moving from primary to secondary schools.

First, she advocates “an early-intervention, gradual and sensitive primary-secondary school transition curriculum, from the beginning of Year 5 to the end of Year 7.”  Following her own research in 2020, support for this approach as a “promising school-based intervention” has been referenced in recent NICE and Health Policy Scotland guidelines.

Dr Bagnall argues: “The Department for Education and local authorities should work with educators to further develop and implement this transition curriculum more widely. As part of this transition, curriculum lessons should focus on developing children’s awareness, knowledge and ability to cope with the multiple changes experienced over primary-secondary school transition, by practicing skills, asking questions and discussing their feelings. This can help children feel prepared, but not overwhelmed by their next chapter.”

Second, she calls for a “systemic approach to primary-secondary school transitions provision” with “emotional wellbeing central to this.”  She adds: “It is recommended that both universal and targeted support for children’s emotional wellbeing should be at the forefront of transition provision, and this should not end as children leave primary school. This support should help children to recognise, understand and manage their emotions.”

And third, as a tool to support the most vulnerable children at the earliest possible stage, she reveals that her University of Manchester research team are developing “a scale to measure children’s emotional wellbeing in the context of primary-secondary school transitions.”

She explains: “This novel instrument, which will be named Primary-Secondary School Transitions Emotional Wellbeing Scale (P-S WELLS), will add distinct practical value at a community level by developing a tool and manual to build capacity for educational practitioners to obtain immediate insight into the universal support their class needs and identification of specific children who need additional support. Education policymakers and local authorities should engage with the development and rollout of this instrument and advocate to embed this into a transition curriculum.”

‘Supporting Vulnerable Children over Primary-Secondary School Transitions’ by Dr Charlotte Bagnall can be read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website. 

New government approach needed to tackle UK energy resilience and security

Energy specialists from The University of Manchester have called on the government to develop a joined-up cross-departmental strategy to strengthen the UK’s energy resilience and security.

Professor Maria Sharmina

In a joint article published by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professor Maria Sharmina and Timothy Capper highlight the role recent energy shortages and high prices have played in pushing the issue of energy resilience up the political agenda.  But they warn that these “are only two of the major risks faced by the UK energy sector.”

They write: “The transition away from fossil fuels in particular is leading to a more intermittent and less diversified energy mix. The electricity system will become harder to operate, as more electricity will be generated from less controllable renewable sources. The energy sources people use will become less diverse as heating, cooking, and transportation are electrified. Energy systems will become dependent on critical minerals and materials required for electrification, renewables and batteries.”

Sharmina and Capper warn that the UK’s energy security process is “increasingly unsuitable for managing these new risks” and “narrowly focuses on the reliability of the electricity and gas networks.”  They add: “Much less emphasis is put on ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of fuels, such as natural gas, or on the materials and skills required for long-term energy security.”

The academics make clear that “a more resilient energy system would require reductions in energy demand” and suggest targeting the almost 60% of homes in England and Wales with low energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings.  They explain: “Bringing these homes up to an EPC rating of C could save the equivalent of six nuclear power stations worth of power.  Aggregated bill savings are estimated to be £10.6bn per year.”

Timothy Capper

Sharmina and Capper advise that the UK should increase its energy storage capacity, which is currently very low, adding: “The ability to store energy, and move it back and forth to Europe would give the UK energy system more flexibility to deal with variations in supply and demand over periods ranging from hours to seasons.”

And they urge Ministers to establish a “joined-up cross-departmental strategy” to tackle all issues related to energy resilience and security simultaneously.  

They continue: “A government body with overall responsibility for energy security would be able to balance the short- and long-term energy security considerations, including energy transition risks.  This agency would also be able to view the complete energy supply chain and critical materials supply chain, ensuring that there are sufficient fuel and material imports, as well as making sure the infrastructure within the UK is reliable.”

‘Strengthening the UK’s Energy Resilience and Security’ by Professor Maria Sharmina and Timothy Capper is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Peer seeks clarity on Northern Ireland exclusion from Levelling Up Fund awards

Lord Rogan (left) with Coleraine FC Chairman Colin McKendry during his visit to the Coleraine Showgrounds

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has tabled a question in Parliament seeking more information on the Government’s decision to exclude Northern Ireland from the latest release of grants through the Levelling Up Fund.     

On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove announced that £1 billion has been awarded to 55 community projects in Great Britain.

But the Government statement added that Northern Ireland would receive no funding “given the current absence of a working Executive and Assembly.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and his deputy Steve Baker came under pressure on this issue from MPs on all sides of the House of Commons yesterday with Opposition Whip and former Shadow Northern Ireland Minister Tonia Antoniazzi praising the bid from Coleraine Football Club which missed out on support in round two of the Levelling Up Fund. 

Lord Rogan said: “In common with Ms Antoniazzi and, indeed, the Secretary of State himself, I had the pleasure of visiting the Coleraine Showgrounds to discuss the club’s bid and was impressed by all I heard.

“Coleraine Football Club is desperately keen to proceed with its plans to develop a state of the art Northwest Regional Stadium and community facility in one of the most deprived wards in Northern Ireland.  The initiative has my full support.

“I have tabled a written question in the House of Lords asking how much Levelling Up round three funding has been ringfenced to spend in Northern Ireland, when the decision was taken to exclude Northern Ireland from this week’s announcement, and by whom.  

“It is scandalously unfair that shovel-ready community projects in Northern Ireland such as the one in Coleraine are facing this unnecessary and seemingly open-ended delay, when scores in Great Britain have been given the green light.

“We need answers but, more importantly, we need spades in the ground.”    

‘Hyper-local’ action can boost young people’s wellbeing

Targetted “hyper-local” action is required to tackle the crisis in young people’s wellbeing, the academic lead for a gold standard survey on adolescent life satisfaction has warned.

In an article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professor Neil Humphrey argues: “In order to improve wellbeing among young people, we must emphasise and promote a sense of belonging to the local community, as well as improving social cohesion, integration and inclusivity, and building opportunities and structures for social support.”

Launched in 2019 as a collaboration between The University of Manchester, the Gregson Family Foundation, Anna Freud and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the #BeeWell programme has gathered the thoughts of more than 60,000 young people in Greater Manchester on topics including emotions, relationships, aspirations and health to gain valuable insights into the wellbeing of respondents and, as Professor Humphrey explains in his piece, “to ‘pivot the system’ and address this major societal problem.” 

Professor Neil Humphrey, The University of Manchester

Drawing on findings from the first two #BeeWell surveys – the results of the 2023 survey will be published in spring 2024 – he writes: “The research showed that neighbourhood characteristics are significantly associated with different domains of wellbeing.”  He further reveals that inequalities between different social groups were found to vary across neighbourhoods, an example being “disparities in loneliness between LGBTQ+ young people and their peers differed based on the neighbourhood in which they resided.”

Another theme identified by Professor Humphrey was “the influence of social cohesion and relational characteristics of neighbourhoods.”  He writes: “Young people feeling safe in their local area and feeling that there was support for wellbeing among local people were among the strongest predictors of wellbeing. Whether local people could be trusted, whether neighbours were helpful, and whether there were good places to spend their free time in their neighbourhood, were also positively associated with their wellbeing.”

Additionally, The University of Manchester academic explains, “life satisfaction was higher and emotional difficulties were lower in neighbourhoods with better access to health services and lower GP antidepressant prescription rates.  Furthermore, life satisfaction was higher in neighbourhoods with lower unemployment and free school meal eligibility rates.”   

In contrast: “Loneliness was higher in neighbourhoods with higher skills deprivation among children and young people, higher geographical barriers - for example, longer distance to places like schools, shops and doctors’ surgeries - and lower population density.”

Based on the vast amount of evidence obtained from the #BeeWell surveys, Professor Humphrey concludes that “place is a contributory factor for young people’s wellbeing,” adding, “it speaks directly to the levelling up agenda and highlights the persistence of inequalities at the neighbourhood level.”  

He argues: “Targeted, hyper-local responses in these areas are as important, if not more so, than national initiatives. They are better placed to respond to the complex contextual factors that underpin and reinforce wellbeing inequalities. 

“Our analyses of the influence of different neighbourhood characteristics suggest that in order to improve wellbeing among young people, we must emphasise and promote a sense of belonging to the local community, as well as improving social cohesion, integration and inclusivity, and building opportunities and structures for social support.”

A Place to #BeWell by Professor Neil Humphrey is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Autumn statement does not halt cost of living crisis – housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has warned that today’s Autumn Statement is not a turning point for the cost of living crisis.  

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “Families and individuals on the lowest incomes, including many MHA tenants, continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive

“Rishi Sunak has gone on a victory lap after inflation fell to 4.7%, but this is more than double the Government’s target of 2% with food inflation still sitting at around 10%.

“Prices are not going down, they are just going up more slowly and driving more people into poverty.

“The unfreezing in the Local Housing Allowance is long overdue, and the rise in the National Living Wage from April and cut in National Insurance from January are welcome but, without raising personal tax thresholds and with inflation set to remain high, many working people will barely see a difference in the money in their pockets.

“It is a relief that Universal Credit and working-age benefits will be uprated in line with September’s inflation rate, but I would have preferred the increase to be delivered before next spring.        

“As ever, the devil will be in the detail bit, at first sight, I fear the Chancellor’s measures do not represent a turning point in the cost of living crisis which must surely be the Government’s priority.”      

Focus on Keighley as housing association and partners visit local scheme

Kinara Close in Keighley was the centre of attention when Bradford Council Neighbourhood Wardens and representatives of West Yorkshire Police and Bradford District Credit Union joined Manningham Housing Association (MHA) board and staff members on a special visit to engage with local residents.

It was the latest in a series of Scheme Focus events organised by MHA which manages more than 1,400 affordable homes for over 6,000 residents in Keighley and Bradford.  

The initiative seeks to enable residents in MHA housing developments across Bradford district to meet team members at every level of the organisation alongside key stakeholders who work closely with them to support local communities.

Manningham Housing Association board members and staff on their Scheme Focus visit to Kinara Close, Keighley  

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive, said: “It was wonderfully productive and enjoyable morning.

“It is crucially important for us as a community-based housing association to get out and about to meet residents in their neighbourhoods.

“The MHA board rightly feels it is important for them to engage directly with residents to better inform the decision-making process at board meetings, complementing the work of our staff who are on the ground every day talking to local people.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA vice-chair, said: “I was delighted to see a full turnout of board members at Kinara Close. 

“Most importantly, it was an absolute pleasure to meet local residents to discuss how we are serving their needs and, indeed, how we might do even better.

“Having our friends at Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford District Credit Union on hand to deal with different queries from residents was also really helpful and made the visit even more worthwhile for all involved.”     

Cath Bacon, MHA tenant board member who was named Tenant of the Year at last year’s Northern Housing Awards, said: "It is important to constantly reinforce the message that there are no barriers between residents and MHA, including our board members.   

“Visiting individual schemes and speaking to tenants on their own doorsteps is the best way to achieve this, and also lots of fun!”   

Zahida, a Kinara Close resident, said: “I am overwhelmed by the support provided by Manningham Housing Association.  Two caretakers recently helped to clear all the overgrown bushes on Kinara Close, they were two gems.

“As a fosterer looking after a child with autism, MHA has supported me with what I do and enabled me to directly assist around 20 local families with foster care. 

“There is a need for a local play area around Kinara Close.  I have identified land at the end of Kinara Close and believe it can be transformed into a play area.  I have volunteered to become a Scheme Champion and will be working with Sayed, our MHA Neighbourhood Officer, to help develop the project.”

Unity Homes and Enterprise announces new board appointments

Four new members have joined the board of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise which manages almost 1,400 affordable properties for around 5,000 tenants in Leeds and Kirklees.

Unity Homes and Enterprise head office in Chapeltown, Leeds

Mahara Haque has worked as a community development specialist for more than a decade and has a wide range of board experience including with housing associations and in the NHS.

Moreen Pascal has had a career in business support services, local government and the voluntary and community sectors mainly in London and Hertfordshire, where her focus has been on social justice initiatives in the community, leadership performance and workforce development.

Nasim Qureshi has been the chief executive officer at Inspired Neighbourhoods Group for 14 years, and brings considerable experience in the housing, health and social care and enterprise sectors.

Abdul Ravat has previously served on the board of Unity’s not for profit subsidiary company, Unity Enterprise, and has accumulated three decades of experience in housing and regeneration.

Abdul Hamied, Unity Homes and Enterprise interim chair, said: “I am excited to welcome our four new members who will each bring their own unique skillsets and experiences to the board table together with a shared commitment to Unity’s social purpose.

“We are proud of the work we do, not just as a provider of first class affordable homes but also in supporting local entrepreneurial activity and providing bridges to employment and training.

“Unity has exciting plans in place and in development which my new colleagues will have key roles in advancing in the months and years ahead.” 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “One of Unity’s great strengths as a community-based organisation is our eagerness to listen to different voices and implement innovative ideas in the quest to improve people’s lives. 

“The new board members will make significant strategic contributions to what we do and how we do it for the betterment of local neighbourhoods.

“They are excellent appointments and, on behalf of the senior management team, I look forward to working closely with them all.”