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Memorandum of Understanding between IER and the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

In early September, the UK and Saudi governments held a joint Great Futures Leadership Summit in London. It was the largest gathering of UK and Saudi Ministers and included the signing of several commercial deals between the UK and Saudi Arabia. One of these deals was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding,Link opens in a new window which involves IER providing research, evaluation, training, and advice to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, to support the Saudi Government鈥檚 Vision 2030.  

This Vision aims to increase the proportion of Saudis in the labour market, including boosting female employment participation. IER鈥檚 input will centre on improving skills analysis and enhancing job quality in Saudi Arabia.

Expert comments on the latest UK labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics

IER's Dr Sangwoo LeeLink opens in a new window commented on the latest ONS Labour Market Statistics (May鈥揓uly 2025), highlighting a complex picture for the UK economy. While the employment rate edged up to 75.2%, unemployment rose to 4.7%, the highest since early 2021, reflecting ongoing structural shifts rather than a simple recovery or downturn.  

Dr Lee notes that payrolled employees fell sharply by 142,000 over the year to July, with a further 127,000 decline by early August, the largest contraction since the pandemic. At the same time, household employment data shows a rise, suggesting a shift toward non-traditional work, such as temporary, contract, and gig roles. Vacancies fell for the 38th consecutive period to 728,000, pushing the unemployed-to-vacancy ratio to 2.3 from 1.5 in 2023. Regular wage growth remains resilient at 4.8%, delivering 0.7% real growth, though prolonged tight monetary policy may be required, with potential rate cuts in 2026 if labour market conditions deteriorate further.

Dr Lee concludes that the most pressing concern is not headline unemployment but weakening job security and benefits coverage. He emphasises that the labour market is undergoing lasting structural changes, which will require updated frameworks and protections for non-traditional workers.

IER shares expertise on job quality and skills at national conference

Dr Sangwoo LeeLink opens in a new window was invited to contribute to the high-level policy conference "Reshaping Employment and Skills to Boost Growth, Productivity and Tackle Inequalities" at the University of Essex (17鈥�18 September 2025). The two-day event brought together leading academics, policymakers, employers, and trade unions to debate how to promote good work, address labour market inequalities, and strengthen productivity.  

Dr Lee contributed insights on job quality, decent work, and skill development, drawing on his research into labour market outcomes and inequality. His participation reinforced IER鈥檚 role in shaping national debates on the future of work, productivity, and inclusive growth.

Congratulations to Hilda Ragnarsdottir on her IAS Early Career Fellowship

Hilda Ragnarsd贸ttirLink opens in a new window, a final year IER PhD student, has been awarded a part-time IAS Early Career Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of 糖心TV, starting in October, as she will be submitting her thesis at the end of September.  

During her fellowship, she will build on her PhD and focus on public policy approaches to the technological impact on the future of work. The aim of the fellowship is to write articles and policy briefs on the topic and public engagement with various stakeholders through workshops. Her mentor will be IER director Chris WarhurstLink opens in a new window.