SBS report focuses on amplifying workers’ voices
Academics from Strathclyde Business School have released a report on the work of the Inverclyde Advice and Employment Rights Centre (IAERC) as part of their ESRC-funded research on ‘Amplifying Workers Voices’.
For over 25 years, IAERC – an independent, voluntary, trade-union based organisation - has provided a unique and essential service to the community of Inverclyde, Scotland. Their interventions reduce the likelihood of workers falling into the cycle of long-term unemployment and incapacity.
Dr Kendra Briken and Emeritus Professor Phil Taylor, Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, have carried out the research for the report alongside Dr Eleanor Kirk from the University of Glasgow.
The report shows that the IAERC dealt with 6,209 unique cases of vulnerable workers between 2014 – 2024. That the current numbers employed in Inverclyde is 31,800 starkly demonstrates the scale of workers’ ‘troubles’. Issues at work include industrial injuries and occupationally-related mental ill-health; unfair dismissal; discrimination and harassment; withheld wages; excessive hours and working times. In addition, waiting times for an outcome from a tribunal are taking up to a year, heaping stress and frustration on workers who must still make a living.
Sectors of concern include care work; warehousing and logistics; retail; and call centres and people most affected by poor working lives are women, 16-24 year olds, 50+ year olds and disabled people. These groups often experienced multiple problems including discrimination, and breaches of the Equality Act (2010).
Dr Briken said, “Our research shows that the IAERC provides a unique and essential service to the community. Their interventions reduce the likelihood of workers falling into the cycle of long-term unemployment and incapacity. Our central recommendation is that every major town and city in Scotland requires a dedicated centre for employment advice and advocacy similar to that of the IAERC. Achieving that goal would amplify every worker’s voice and give them access to the expertise and support that they need and deserve.”
The full report can be read here: https://lnkd.in/e8hX5WpX
Photo credit: Stuart Platt. Photo shows Dr Kendra Briken presenting the report to IAERC representatives, alongside Dr Eleanor Kirk and Professor Phil Taylor.
Published: 30 April 2025
