Policy@Manchester Blogs

Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues

Policy@Manchester Blogs
Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues

#HereToDeliver: Valuing food delivery workers in the future

By , and Filed Under: Digital Futures, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Social Care Posted:

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore a new cadre of valued workers. And it’s not the corporate CEO or senior business leader but the delivery workers that are helping cafes and restaurants stay open (in some form) during lockdown. Cristina Inversi, Aude Cefaliello and Tony Dundon of the Work and Equalities Institute (WEI) […]

Follow the science

By and Filed Under: Health and Social Care, Science and Engineering Posted:

The underlying conditions that make COVID-19 into a killer disease are themselves pandemics. Here, Honorary Reader Martin Yuille and Professor Emeritus Bill Ollier outline the need to tackle these conditions by combining public policy reform with community change and technological innovation. Underlying health conditions are the greatest risk factor associated with COVID-19 mortality A new […]

Furlough, fraud and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

By and Filed Under: All posts Posted:

The Government-implemented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) supports companies in their attempts to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic, permitting them to place employees on a temporary leave of absence known as ‘furlough’, and claim state aid to pay furloughed staff either 80% of their usual wages or up to £2,500 per month, whichever amount is […]

The scourge of summer: seasonal allergies, asthma and how your mobile phone could help

By Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted:

Asthma and allergies affect millions in the UK and abroad. Understanding what drives allergic reactions, both inside the body and in the wider environment, will strengthen the ability of public health policymakers to address and limit the impact of these conditions. Here, Professor Sheena Cruickshank introduces ‘Britain Breathing’, a mobile phone app that can help […]

The voluntary and community sector and COVID-19: Going to war without ammunition?

Tine BuffelCamilla Lewis By , , , , and Filed Under: Growth and Inclusion Posted:

COVID-19 has forced us all to rethink how to maintain social connections in the neighbourhoods where we live and work. For the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE), this has meant a rapid rethink in how to provide services whilst observing social distancing guidelines. In this blog, Sophie Yarker and Kirsty Bagnall, along with Tine Buffel, Patty […]

Can shipping emissions be kept in check in a post-COVID future?

By Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted:

The shipping sector is playing a vital role in the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping Britain supplied with everything from pasta to PPE. But what role does it need to play in another great crisis – preventing catastrophic climate change? Here, Simon Bullock from the Tyndall Centre, Manchester, looks at what needs to be done in order […]

COVID-19 and the future of urban mobility

By and Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Urban Posted:

COVID-19 has comprehensively disrupted urban mobility systems. Public transport authorities are running skeleton services, while streets are less congested. In the midst of lockdown conditions, urban mobility systems look unrecognisable. Here, Dr Mike Hodson and Professor Andrew McMeekin reflect on how different areas have responded to the lockdown, and discuss key considerations that will shape […]

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

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

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

Miguel Martínez Lucio By and Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Care Posted:

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 […]

aerial snapshot of Manchester

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

By Filed Under: All posts, Health and Social Care Posted:

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 […]

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