News | Monday, 20th May 2019

New research hub will support better working practices

University's Decent Work and Productivity Research Centre to influence employment and policy

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was the keynote speaker at the centre's launch
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was the keynote speaker at the centre's launch

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has praised the impact that Manchester Metropolitan’s research is having on work, innovation and productivity in the region at the launch of the Decent Work and Productivity Research Centre.

Mayor Andy Burnham was welcomed as the keynote speaker at the official launch of Manchester Metropolitan’s Decent Work and Productivity Centre on 17 May, during which he also outlined his ongoing plans to support employability.

The centre builds knowledge on the quality of people’s working lives and the impact this has on the productivity of organisations and the people who work in them.

It is one of 13 centres for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Speaking at the official launch event, held at Manchester Metropolitan’s Business School, Andy Burnham said: “I’m excited by the launch of this new research centre, which will help us to build change across the Greater Manchester region and support the findings and aims of our Prosperity Review and Good Employment Charter.

“The objectives and ongoing research within the centre, alongside the work we are already doing in the city region, bring a real sense of a shared agenda and common purpose in our drive for better solutions to help people, businesses and the economy.”

The Decent Work and Productivity Research Centre brings together researchers in human resource management, organisational behaviour, strategy, entrepreneurship and diversity to think across disciplines about the future of work.

Professor Ben Lupton, Director of the Centre, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Andy Burnham to our official launch event and we look forward to engaging regional and national stakeholders in our ongoing research.

“Decent Work and Productivity addresses some of the biggest challenges facing contemporary society. We bring knowledge, people and organisations together to think about what causes decent work and productivity and what can be done to shape a bright future for workers and employers.”

Damian Grimshaw, Director of the Research Department at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), also joined over 100 delegates at the official launch event as a keynote speaker.

He outlined how Manchester Metropolitan’s research will complement the work of the ILO in developing the evidence base for stronger rights and the protection of workers, while eliminating inequalities in the workplace.

Decent Work and Productivity addresses some of the biggest challenges facing contemporary society.

Professor Lupton added: “Working together with the ILO and regional bodies such as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will strengthen the real world impact of our research.

“We have already influenced employment law and future government policy through our work to improve working conditions for domiciliary care workers, employment support services for small businesses and working with organisations such as the NHS and CIPD to translate research knowledge into practice.”

With the UK government concerned with creating 'good work' and solving the nation’s productivity puzzle, the centre will bring together a range of researchers in employability, innovation, productivity, gender and equality to shape and influence future policy.

For more information on the aims and expertise of the Decent Work and Productivity Research Centre, visit https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/decent-work-and-productivity/.  

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