Policy@Manchester Blogs

Building back a gender balanced better – devolution, growth and equalities

By Francesca Gains Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Education, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth Posted: June 11, 2020

As the initial period of lockdown is slowly relaxed, the policy agenda in all parts of the UK is turning to examine recovery from the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. Policymakers in our major city regions are considering how to start up and stimulate economic activity where safe to do so; help firms and […]

Recognising the value and significance of cleaning work in a context of crisis

By Miguel Martinez Lucio and Jo McBride Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Care Posted: June 10, 2020

In this blog, Professor Miguel Martínez Lucio of the Work and Equalities Institute and the Alliance Manchester Business School and Dr Jo McBride of Durham University discuss the question of how we have failed to value the work and importance of those in the area of cleaning and hygiene-related employment more generally. The need now […]

Health for wealth: The link between health inequalities and productivity in northern England

By Luke Munford Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted: June 9, 2020

Productivity in the UK, and particularly in the northern regions of England, has remained stubbornly low for decades, prompting economists to discuss a ‘productivity puzzle’. Here, Dr Luke Munford, explains how his research into health inequalities in northern England shows that investing in the health of the population could translate directly into substantial gains in […]

Plastics in the environment: Limiting the contamination of our rivers and oceans

By Ian Kane Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment Posted: June 8, 2020

Much of the world’s plastic waste is still not disposed of responsibly, and it can now be found in all natural environments. Dr Ian Kane has focused his research on understanding the problem of microplastics in world oceans. In this blog, he tells us about some of the pathways plastics take to enter oceans and […]

COVID-19: What should transport and mobility responses be now and beyond?

By Ransford A. Acheampong Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Urban Posted: June 3, 2020

The measures we put in place around transport and mobility are critical to how we emerge from this pandemic and rebuild in the coming years. In this blog, Dr Ransford A. Acheampong examines how to make transport safe as some of the most vulnerable groups are returning to work, and shows that active travel is […]

Locked down by inequality: Why place matters for older people during COVID-19

By Christopher Phillipson, Camilla Lewis, Tine Buffel, Patty Doran and Sophie Yarker Filed Under: Health and Care, Health and Social Care Posted: June 1, 2020

Older people have borne the brunt of deaths from COVID-19, whether in hospital or in care homes. At the same time, the coronavirus emergency sits alongside a crisis in many of the communities in which older people live. In this blog, Chris Phillipson, Camilla Lewis, Tine Buffel, Patty Doran and Sophie Yarker examine how the […]

Build in haste, repent at leisure? Post-pandemic planning at the precipice

By Iain White, Graham Haughton and Nuno Pinto Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth Posted: May 27, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to discussions on what shape planning should take post-crisis. Here, Prof Iain White, Prof Graham Haughton, and Dr Nuno Pinto outline how current regulations have exacerbated difficulties for some people in lockdown, discuss how opportunistic developers or politicians may seek to hijack the policy responses, and suggest solutions to ensure […]

Planning and managing service delivery in the NHS: looking to the future

By Kath Checkland Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted: May 26, 2020

COVID-19 has reinforced the necessity of effective planning of health services, treatment and prevention capacities in primary and secondary care, and both protecting and optimising our healthcare workforce. Here, Professor Kath Checkland reflects on the renewed centrality of “commissioning” to health policy debates that will follow in the wake of the pandemic, and draws lessons from […]

Whose responsibility is it anyway? Resilience in children and young people’s mental health

By Ola Demkowicz Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care Posted: May 21, 2020

The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increasing focus on mental health, particularly that of children and young people. In this blog, Dr Ola Demkowicz examines the emphasis on resilience in this age group, and suggests how policymakers can better support young people’s wellbeing, while moving away from placing the onus on […]

Prioritising play to promote wellbeing

By Cathy Atkinson and Marianne Mannello Filed Under: All posts Posted: May 21, 2020

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31 states children have the right to access play, rest and leisure. With the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, play opportunities are vital to helping children make sense of their experiences, problem-solve, reconnect with their peers, and promote their own wellbeing. In this […]