Just the job? The policy and practice challenge of developing inclusive labour markets

The concept of inclusive growth is increasingly presented as a means of more fully linking economic development and social inclusion. A central element of this relates to issues of labour market inclusion, which encompasses both employment quantity and job quality. Generating more inclusive employment outcomes is a challenge for policymakers and employers alike. Contemporary labour market concerns revolve around low pay, in-work poverty and employment insecurity. Technological developments continue to shape labour market change in powerful ways. This paper discusses the labour market challenges which influence the possibilities of creating more inclusive employment outcomes, drawing predominantly on insights from the United Kingdom. The paper then considers the nature of the policy challenge and identifies potential areas of development.