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Low-pay sectors, earnings mobility and economic policy in the UK

Author

Listed:
  • Lee, Neil
  • Green, Anne
  • Sissons, Paul

Abstract

Low pay is a significant and growing issue in many developed economies. Sectoral approaches are often used in both economic development and labour market policy, yet there is little evidence on how low pay and earnings mobility vary by sector. This article investigates this issue in the UK. It shows pronounced sectoral variations in low pay and earnings mobility. It highlights the policy implications of growth in large, low paying sectors. While policymakers have focused on high-wage, high-skill sectors, efforts to improve productivity in low-wage sectors could improve living standards and the UK’s economic performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Neil & Green, Anne & Sissons, Paul, 2018. "Low-pay sectors, earnings mobility and economic policy in the UK," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 84180, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:84180
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/84180/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Riley, Rebecca & Rosazza Bondibene, Chiara, 2017. "Raising the standard: Minimum wages and firm productivity," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 27-50.
    2. Maarten Goos & Alan Manning & Anna Salomons, 2009. "Job Polarization in Europe," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(2), pages 58-63, May.
    3. Jenkins, Stephen P., 2011. "Changing Fortunes: Income Mobility and Poverty Dynamics in Britain," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199226436.
    4. Grimshaw, Damian., 2011. "What do we know about low wage work and low wage workers? : Analysing the definitions, patterns, causes and consequences in international perspective," ILO Working Papers 994648583402676, International Labour Organization.
    5. repec:ilo:ilowps:464858 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Micaela Mazzei & Tom Montgomery & Pascal Dey, 2021. "‘Utopia’ failed? Social enterprise, everyday practices and the closure of neoliberalism," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 39(7), pages 1625-1643, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    precarait; wage progression; sectors; industrial policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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