Responding to the Labour market overview June 2022 released by the Office for National Statistics, Melanie Wilkes, Head of Research at the Work Foundation, said:

“Today’s data may show record employment levels (75.6%) but one in five workers are in severely insecure jobs, and the UK continues to face mass staff shortages as economic inactivity remains high (21.3%).

“Over 6 million British workers experience low pay, uncertain hours or reduced employment rights. In the context of a cost of living crisis, these workers are most at risk from rising inflation and a slowing economy. The Government cannot level up the country unless it introduces new legislation to deal with work insecurity.

“And when it comes to tackling inactivity, blunt instruments like the Way To Work scheme or more draconian welfare policies that push job seekers into any job will not help those businesses struggling to fill 1.3 million vacancies. We need to see a proper plan for participation, with more tailored and specialist support for those who want a job but who face multiple barriers to doing so.”

* Figures quoted on work insecurity are from the Work Foundation’s UK Insecure Work Index (May 2022).