Work, Welfare & the Economy

In this theme, we aim to explore patterns and factors around employment, income and social security across the UK, and assess how they shape health, welfare and the economy in Scotland.

Lead: Dr Serena Pattaro, University of Glasgow

This theme draws on administrative data from a range of sources to explore employment, income and social security, and how they shape health and wellbeing in Scotland. It aligns with Scottish Government priorities on inclusive growth, tackling poverty and promoting fair work. It reflects the importance of economic participation in shaping life chances and population health.

Our research focuses on:

• Patterns and drivers of employment
• Income and social security
• Inequalities in access to employment and self-employment, in the stability of work and in progression over time
• Structural barriers such as disability and ill health.

We will use linked administrative data from sources such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which enables robust analysis of the welfare system and labour market dynamics, with opportunities to support the DWP Areas of Research Interest and forthcoming Scottish Government’s Social Security Monitoring Framework.

Flagship datasets, including RAPID (Registrations and Population interactions with employment, benefits and pensions database) and the Scottish Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) – University extract provide new opportunities to explore employment trajectories, skills and graduate outcomes.