Read: Purpose Coalition wins on cost-of-living proposals
Today’s Budget saw the Government pledge to introduce 30 hours free childcare as well as an end to additional payments for those using prepayment energy, both key recommendations in the Purpose Coalition’s recent Cost-of-Living Action Plan.
Read: Co-op to tackle biggest challenges for young people as it partners with Barnardo’s
Co-op will be working with Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, to support 750,000 young people aged 10-25 years old to help improve their mental wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping young people and their families to meet basic needs.
Read: Even flexible working requires flexibility
Many now believe that the five-day working week pattern is no longer fit for purpose and that a more flexible approach is needed.
Read: Purpose Coalition renews its call for the Chancellor to provide urgent help for childcare in budget
The Purpose Coalition has renewed its call to the Chancellor to include childcare reform in next week’s budget as a key element in tackling the cost-of-living crisis and building financial resilience.
Level Up The Levy
Former Education and Skills Ministers call on Chancellor for an ‘Apprenticeship Levy 2.0’ to Level Up Britain
Read: As we celebrate International Women's Day, there's still work to do on equal pay
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, and all that’s undoubtedly been achieved so far, it is still truly shocking to hear that a young woman starting work today at 18 years old will not see pay equality in her working lifetime, if progress towards gender equality at work continues at its historical rate.
Read: Businesses and government must pull closer together for long term cost-of-living protection
The cost-of-living crisis, alongside daily tales of missed meals and cold homes, has exposed a further harsh reality. Many people have little or no savings to fall back on when times get tough.
Read: Report calls for government-backed Rainy-Day Savings Scheme to protect from cost-of-living shocks
Employers should automatically enrol workers into a government-backed ‘rainy-day’ savings scheme to protect against future cost-of-living shocks, a report from a leading group of progressive businesses will recommend today.
Read: Sir Keir’s five missions embrace the approach of the best purpose-led businesses
Themes, slogans and pledges can come and go for any political opposition, but what Sir Keir Starmer did in setting out his five missions for Britain today was different.
Read: The Tory Party is facing a demographic crisis and that’s why it needs to level-up for younger people
Bob Dylan wasn’t primarily known for being a political pundit but he was closer than he realised when he said ‘the times they are a changing’ and “you better start swimming, or you sink like a stone”. It’s great advice for any political party. Especially today’s Conservative Party.
Read: Obesity – more than just a health issue
Like most other health indicators, the issue of obesity impacts disadvantaged communities the most. Poor life expectancy, a higher incidence of serious diseases, poor neonatal health and maternal outcomes are just some of the other ways in which health inequality impedes access to opportunity for those who live there.
Read: Apprenticeships are a key part of economic growth, but it’s time for reform
With perfect timing, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the Government has announced the creation of four new government departments, recalibrating its commitment to a programme of growth and technological advance, driven by innovation and research.
Read: Students are the often unseen victims of the cost of living crisis
Food, heating, hot water, decent housing - basic needs that are now at risk as the cost of living crisis undermines the things many of us took for granted. Students are probably some of its least visible casualties.
Read: Digital jobs fit for the future
Exciting new opportunities are opening up in the utilities sector as UK Power Networks launches a new Digital Academy.
Read: Financial inclusion is crucial for maintaining vibrant communities
Inclusivity is key to a fairer, more equal society where everyone, whatever their background, can access opportunity and have the chance of a better life. That extends to financial inclusion too.
Read: Co-op believes an urgent reform of the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy is still needed
£600 million wasted in Apprenticeship Levy funding, despite rising demand for paid training among young people
Read: Visit to Northumbria University highlights social mobility in action
A visit to Northumbria University by Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, confirmed its position as a modern university which has embedded quality research at the centre of everything it does, alongside a clear social mobility mission.
Read: Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust commits to social impact framework
In partnership with former Public Health Minister Rt Hon Anne Milton and former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening, KMPT will produce an Impact Report to measure its social impact using the architecture of the Purpose Goals.
Read: Post-Brexit Britain needs better approach on levelling up - here's how
Getting a stronger plan in place is crucial for the Prime Minister and it has to be about working with and through local communities.
Read: Guest blog from Dr Annabel Kiernan, Pro Vice-Chancellor-Academic at Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University were an early signatory to the Social Mobility Pledge and are committed to working with This Is Purpose on a mission to break down the potential barriers to aspiration.