Minimum Income Guarantee: Experts by Experience Panel report

Panel four: the Minimum Income Guarantee and work

The focus of this meeting was on the Minimum Income Guarantee and work. For many households, the Minimum Income Guarantee level will be achieved through paid work, where that is possible. This panel meeting was intended to gather insights on how work and support systems can be optimised to ensure they foster dignity and fulfilment across different demographic and life situations.

The meeting had two aims:

• Firstly, to discuss members' personal experiences of work and what is needed for work to contribute to a dignified life.
• Secondly, to explore the types of support needed at various life stages to enable individuals to access and sustain good work.

Members heard information on work and its integration with the Minimum Income Guarantee:

• Jack Evans, Senior Policy Advisor at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, discussed the current 'state of work', which included criteria for good work, and ongoing changes aimed at improving employment conditions.
• Rachel Statham, Associate Director at the Institute for Public Policy Research and member of the Expert Group, explored supportive strategies for accessing good work and managing transitions in and out of employment.

Both presentations were aimed at generating a deeper understanding of how a Minimum Income Guarantee could influence and be influenced by employment dynamics.

During the meeting, members identified and prioritised changes to the work environment and the support systems that would be required to facilitate access to employment that upholds dignity. Members highlighted the importance of flexibility, supportive workplace culture, liveable wages, job security, and tailored job centre experiences. Flexibility was stressed as essential for balancing work and family life, particularly for single parents, suggesting that flexible work policies need to be normalised and truly implemented by employers. The discussions also underscored the importance of supportive workplace environments where good management practices and investment in employee training are prioritised to enhance staff well-being and combat discrimination. Additionally, job security and sufficient wages were identified as crucial for allowing proper life planning and reducing anxiety about financial stability.

Members additionally reflected on the necessary support mechanisms to enable dignified access to employment. They identified several critical areas of support including affordable and adequate childcare, access to computers and reliable internet in public spaces, and the need for a more humane and supportive approach at job centres, moving away from conditionality based focus. Transport costs and the need for employer awareness about complex personal issues like addiction and homelessness were also discussed as essential factors in supporting employment. Moreover, the concept of community hubs was raised, suggesting these could serve as supportive spaces for co-working and skill building linked to other community services like libraries. Members also advocated for the importance of continual skills training and quick access to health services to facilitate faster returns to work.