Valuing workers: how do cities need to change in the post-pandemic economy?

On 25 June 2020, we partnered with Centre for Cities to hear about the latest research on COVID-19 and the future of work.

Coronavirus has shone a spotlight on many of the inequalities that some people face in the workplace. On average, the wealthier you are the less likely you are to come into close contact with others, and people in cities in southern England are more likely to be able to work from home than those in the north – shielding them from the health risks posed by the pandemic.

Yet even before the virus hit the labour market was changing quickly. Automation means fewer workers will need to carry out manual activities and technology theoretically makes it easier for office-based workers to work from home.

At this event, Centre for Cities' Senior Analyst Elena Magrini discussed these issues further and presented the latest research on COVID-19 and the future of work. Tony Dundon, a Visiting Professor with the Work and Equalities Institute, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, also presented.

The presentations were followed by a Q&A chaired by Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities.

 

This event was recorded on 25 June 2020.