During March, the Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD) is hosting two workshops on behalf of the Department and Work and Pensions (DWP). The workshops form part of DWPs wider engagement strategy with UK universities and provide an opportunity for DWP analysts to engage with the research community and to identify opportunities for collaboration. The workshops are themed around DWP’s Areas of Research Interest which identify the most important research questions and evidence priorities facing DWP.
The workshops will provide an opportunity to hear from DWP colleagues about their analytical priorities and will showcase relevant research being undertaken by academics at Cardiff University through a series of short ‘spotlight’ presentations. Time will also be made available to talk to the speakers following the presentations.
The first workshop takes place on March 23rd (10am-12.30) and addresses the themes of Poverty, Disability and Homelessness. Talks will examine the effects of welfare reform on single mothers, the impact of Tax Credits on in-work poverty, the experiences of disabled people in the UK labour market and how benefit data could be better used to reduce homelessness.
The second workshop takes place on March 25th (10am-12.30) and explores the themes of Employment, Progression and the Future of Work. Presentations will examine the changing nature of work in terms of issues such as skills use and job quality, the impact of new technologies on the evolution of the labour market, the career decisions and aspirations of children from low-income households and how Artificial Intelligence systems can support DWP service delivery.