By Tony Dobbins, Professor of Work and Employment Relations Department of Management, Birmingham Business School The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill undoubtedly heralds a significant boost in workers’ rights after 14 years of Conservative government espousal of a liberalized flexible labour market model – translated as let the market run its course/let people do … Continue reading “Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill: an initial assessment”
Corporal Punishment: Then & Now
By Dr Emma Watkins, Associate Professor in Criminology School of Social Policy and Society, University of Birmingham The topic of corporal punishment evokes passionate responses by those on both sides of the debate. It has always been a contested subject. Historically, the regulations concerning corporal punishment differed according to age, sex and context. Meaning, not … Continue reading “Corporal Punishment: Then & Now”
Global financial markets in turmoil: How the Israel-Iran tensions are shaking equities, commodities and crypto
By Dr Anandadeep Mandal Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham The recent flare-up in conflict between Israel and Iran has sent seismic tremors through global financial markets. Investors are navigating a period of intense volatility as equity markets tumble, oil prices surge, and safe-haven assets like gold experience dramatic gains. This geopolitical escalation has added … Continue reading “Global financial markets in turmoil: How the Israel-Iran tensions are shaking equities, commodities and crypto”
The Bank of England has maintained its base interest rate – what does that mean for UK Real Estate?
By Dr Anandadeep Mandal Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham In September 2024, the Bank of England (BoE) made the strategic decision to maintain its base interest rate at 5.25%. This move follows a series of interest rate hikes in response to inflationary pressures throughout 2023 and early 2024. The decision to pause further rate … Continue reading “The Bank of England has maintained its base interest rate – what does that mean for UK Real Estate?”
Harris baits Trump into self-sabotage
By Dr Adam Quinn, Department of Political Science and International Studies, School of Government, University of Birmingham The question going into Tuesday’s debate was which candidate could more successfully exploit the format to expose their opponent’s biggest weaknesses in front of the largest audience of the campaign. By that standard, Donald Trump performed extremely poorly … Continue reading “Harris baits Trump into self-sabotage”
Social housing repairs and maintenance: challenges, consequences, and a way forward
By Dr Hannah Absalom, University of Birmingham Social housing is meant to provide secure and affordable homes for those who need them most, but residents often face significant hurdles with repairs and maintenance. These issues impact not only the physical state of the property but the wellbeing of residents, leading to stress, health problems, and … Continue reading “Social housing repairs and maintenance: challenges, consequences, and a way forward”
Paris 2024: Hijab Ban Undermines Gender Equality Milestone
By Dr Ibtihal Ramadan, Research Fellow EEI, School of Education A key point to note from the 33rd Olympic games in Paris, France that concluded just ten days ago, is the hijab ban for French women athletes. (Un)Surprisingly, the ban occurs amidst an important landmark of Paris Olympics: it has been celebrated to be the … Continue reading “Paris 2024: Hijab Ban Undermines Gender Equality Milestone”
Homes, not just houses: How social housing can lead the fight against domestic abuse
By Dr Hannah Absalom, University of Birmingham The social housing sector has long been seen as a vital safety net, providing affordable homes to millions across the UK. However, in today’s social and political climate, the sector faces an urgent need to reassess its social purpose, particularly in light of Labour’s ambitious goal to halve … Continue reading “Homes, not just houses: How social housing can lead the fight against domestic abuse”
From Protest to Power: Will Bangladesh’s student victory lead to national transformation?
By Dr Md Shajedur Rahman, Research Fellow, School of Education, University of Birmingham Bangladesh recently faced one of its most intense political crises, with nearly 500 people killed in student-led anti-government protests. The unrest forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, long criticized for her increasingly autocratic rule, to resign and flee to India. In her absence, … Continue reading “From Protest to Power: Will Bangladesh’s student victory lead to national transformation?”
Indigenous migrants in the Americas draw on grass-roots strategies and digitalization to defend their rights
By Dr Jennifer Allsopp Birmingham Fellow, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham The migration of Indigenous communities is often far from safe and, to date, States have failed to deliver adequate protections for these populations. A new report has found that Indigenous communities have therefore developed their own strategies to respond to rights violations. … Continue reading “Indigenous migrants in the Americas draw on grass-roots strategies and digitalization to defend their rights”