Policy leaders meet in Durham to discuss the future of business and employment

By William Milne

Experts from the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Universities of Durham and Cambridge met on 14 September at Durham’s newly established Policy Hub to discuss the future of labour markets in a changing economy and how research can be use to shape policies to improve prospects through maintaining both growth and job creation.

The event, “Global Business and Labour Market Policy in Flux: the ILO, the World Bank and the UK”, included speakers such as Dr Sangheon Lee, Chief Economist at the ILO; Professor Simon Deakin, of the University of Cambridge; and Dr Valeria Perotti, Manager of the World Bank’s Business Ready Unit.

Before the event, Professor Bernd Brandl, Director of the Business School’s Policy Hub, said, “Global business and labour markets are undergoing significant changes that will shape economies and working lives for years to come. Organisations such as the ILO and the World Bank play an important role in responding to these challenges and in shaping policy at an international level. We are delighted to welcome leading experts to Durham to discuss emerging trends and explore how research can help inform global policymaking.”

Alongside panel discussions, the experts took part in a workshop exploring international business and labour regulation, which was organised by Professor Deidre McCann of Durham Law School.

Image: Amana Moore