Policy@Manchester Articles

Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues

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

Skills, Productivity and Regional Inequality: why a ‘one size fits all’ approach can’t work

By Filed Under: British Politics, Devo, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth, Levelling up, OnProductivity, UK economy Posted:

Skills are important contributors to the improvement of productivity. With new skills, there are associated higher wages and better living standards. However, implementing a better agenda for skill improvement in policy can prove extremely challenging. There are several layers of skills and their applications that need to be considered at different levels of distribution. Professor […]

Global partnerships: How can international research collaborations boost our health and economy?

By , and Filed Under: Health and Care, Research and development, Science and Technology, UK economy Posted:

The University of Manchester is a founding partner of the Kenya-UK Healthcare Alliance, which aims to share best practice and reciprocal training between the two nations, particularly in the area of cancer care. In this article, from our On Cancer publication, Professor Keith Brennan, Dr F. George Njoroge, and Professor Rob Bristow outline how these […]

The UK productivity-governance puzzle

Dave RichardsAnna Sanders By , and Filed Under: British Politics, Devo, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth, Levelling up, OnProductivity Posted:

The productivity issue in the UK is often framed as an issue driven by economic outcomes. This idea neglects some of the more complex structures that exist and contribute to the economic gaps in the UK. Professor Dave Richards, Professor Patrick Diamond and Dr Anna Sanders outline how government policy in the UK is too […]

Fighting the war with drugs: How can psychedelic-assisted therapies help veterans?

By , and Filed Under: British Politics, Health and Care, Research and development, Science and Technology Posted:

Around 17% of recent military veterans in the UK report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and currently available treatments don’t work for many of these. Here, Professor Jo Neill, Dr Verity Wainwright, and Frances Smith report the findings of a new study into the role that psilocybin (the active constituent of so-called ‘magic’ mushrooms) […]

“I don’t do anything”: It’s time to place more emphasis on strength training in later life

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

Since 2011, the UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) guidelines on physical activity have included strength recommendations. However, there is limited evidence that these recommendations are getting through to those who need them. In this blog, Dr Ashley Gluchowski outlines how older adults are engaging with the guidelines, and whether more can be done by public […]

Health inequalities and regional productivity

By and Filed Under: Growth and Inclusion, Health and Care, Levelling up, OnProductivity Posted:

The health of those living in the north is worse than those living in the south, and this inequality is reflected in the comparative economic performance as well. The regional inequality in economic performance is prominent throughout the United Kingdom. In this blog, Dr Luke Munford and Professor Clare Bambra explore the links between health […]

Advancing cell and gene therapies: Levelling-up life sciences investment in the North-West

By and Filed Under: All posts, Health and Care, Levelling up, Research and development, Science and Technology Posted:

Life sciences – including new cancer treatments – forms a central pillar of the UK Government’s post-Brexit plan for science and technology. But how could this focus also play a role in another key tenet of British policymaking; the levelling-up agenda? In this blog, adapted from our On Cancer publication, Professor Fiona Thistlethwaite and Professor […]

Local employment charters: re-defining productivity with employers?

By Filed Under: Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth, OnProductivity Posted:

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the harsh reality of insecure working conditions that many workers – particularly those in the front line – are subject to. Good employment charters are one way to ensure the security of good work. Implementing good employment charters in local policy agendas can increase productivity and develop more […]

Child of the North: Child mental wellbeing

By , , , and Filed Under: Education, Health and Care, Health and Social Care Posted:

Children’s mental health and wellbeing was deteriorating prior to COVID-19, but there was significant decline during the pandemic, particularly in the North of England. This blog post covers the collaboration between Professor Pamela Qualter, Professor Matt Sutton, Stephanie Gillibrand, Professor Neil Humphrey and Dr Ola Demkowicz in their study of children’s mental health, originally published […]

Woman by heater in energy crisis

Generating solutions: responses and reforms for the energy price crisis

By Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Technology Posted:

The UK and Europe are facing rapid increases in energy prices from what were already high levels. While the UK has committed to an energy price cap until April 2023, beyond this date only targeted support for the poorest households is likely to be affordable. In this blog, Dr Ed Manderson explains the impact that […]

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Articles give the views of the author, and are not necessarily those of The University of Manchester.

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