#DW United kingdom
The UK hub of the Democratize Work
The Centre for Democratising Work is the UK hub of the Democratize Work initiative housed at https://www.common-wealth.org. The Centre intends to bring academic research into dialogue with trade unions and activists and develop analysis and resources to support the democratisation of work. We publish analysis alongside more theoretical essays and convene discussions and workshops on the future of work.
The current constitution of work is premised on exploitation and domination. How can work be democratised, decommodifed, and decarbonised.
Go and visit to access insightful ressources:
https://www.common-wealth.org/centre-for-democratising-work
New Briefing Published: Insights on Labour’s Employment Rights Act
The Employment Rights Bill is a landmark initiative aimed at “making work pay” in response to stagnant productivity, declining real wages, and widening income inequality in the UK. Against a backdrop of economic challenges and power imbalances in the workplace, the Bill proposes twelve key reforms to strengthen worker protections, alongside recommended amendments and three additional policies to align with international labour standards. Described as a "crucial first step" by the TUC and a "significant step forward" by the CBI, the Bill addresses vital issues such as union rights, job security, and workplace governance. This briefing outlines the reforms, evaluates their limitations, and presents actionable recommendations to ensure the Bill fosters both economic success and dignity in work.
UK Work Insights: New Dashboard Explores Labour vs. Capital Dynamics
Dive into the complexities of work in contemporary Britain with the Centre for Democratising Work's new interactive data dashboard. This tool sheds light on critical aspects of working life, from the balance of power between labour and capital to trends in working time and job quality. Created by Amelia Horgan, Sophie Flinders, and Chris Hayes, the dashboard provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in Britain’s labour landscape, empowering you to understand and advocate for transformative change.
Many workers in Britain face significant challenges, including low wages, insecure work arrangements, and limited control over their working conditions. With union density and collective bargaining coverage in decline, the power of labour has weakened, leaving workers with little say in their pay and terms of employment. Intensification of work has become a pressing issue, with a majority of workers feeling overworked and exhausted, and 1.8 million reporting work-related health issues in 2023. Coupled with the rise of precarious arrangements like bogus self-employment and zero-hours contracts, these challenges underscore the urgent need for a political transformation to address the inequalities and pressures in modern working life.
Justice for Workers: Fairness and the Future of Work
On Tuesday, 10 October, at the Labour conference, Common Wealth’ Amelia Horgan and Khem Rogaly will be discussing with Daniel Chandler his book, “Free and Equal: What Would a Fair Society Will Look Like?”.
Please join us at 3.30 pm at Revolucion de Cuba.
For more information, please visit Common Wealth's website here.
Amelia Horgan interviews Isabelle Ferreras
Common Wealth’s Amelia Horgan spoke to Isabelle Ferreras about the firm, democratising work, and feminism.
« What is fundamentally undemocratic is that those who are governed by the rules and decisions of the organisation — of the firm — are not in a position to consent. This is a situation in which workers are alienated and cannot consent. And, of course, the threshold of a democratic government is when those who are ruled can consent. »
Full interview available in English here.
The UK hub of the Democratize Work
The Centre for Democratising Work is the UK hub of the Democratize Work initiative housed at https://www.common-wealth.org. The Centre intends to bring academic research into dialogue with trade unions and activists and develop analysis and resources to support the democratisation of work. We publish analysis alongside more theoretical essays and convene discussions and workshops on the future of work.
The current constitution of work is premised on exploitation and domination. How can work be democratised, decommodifed, and decarbonised.
Go and visit to access insightful ressources:
https://www.common-wealth.org/centre-for-democratising-work