The Welfare State, Wages and Work - Disintegration or Renewal?

These are Powerpoint slides supporting a presentation at the Nevin Economic Research Institute annual conference, Ulster University, Londonderry, Northern Ireland on 1st May 2019. The paper considered current developments in the labour market and State welfare system, particularly the growth in low pay and in-work poverty; and current policies designed to encourage the growth in low hours, often low paid and short term mini jobs. Among other things, the paper looked at initiatives taken by devolved governments, particularly in Northern Ireland and Scotland, to mitigate the impact of current trends. It also made comparisons between schemes like Universal Credit in the UK and schemes like Working Family Payment in the Irish Republic. The paper drew on material from a recently published monograph and article by the presenter, namely the The Welfare State, Wages and Work (Institute of Employment Rights, March 2019); and From Mini to Maxi Jobs - Low Pay, Progression and the Duty to Work Harder, Industrial Law Journal 2018.