Keele researchers have helped launch a “Good Work Charter”, a framework designed to improve opportunities and access to decent work for people in the Midlands.

To help the region bounce back from Covid, the charter calls for work which pays fairly, improves wellbeing, and promotes work-life balance.

The Charter was launched at a conference organised by Dr Xuebing Cao from Keele Business School in partnership with Acas.

“Decent” work is defined in the Charter as work which features several different aspects including fair pay, security, work-life balance, and a positive impact on employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Cao is currently leading a Research England-funded project in support of the project, which brings together government organisations, businesses, trade union bodies, and universities to facilitate the debates, dialogues and knowledge exchange on good work and employment. Co-investigators include Professor Will Foster from KBS and Professor Tony Dobbins from University of Birmingham.

The Charter addresses significant gaps in policy and practice of promoting good work, and provides crucial evidence to inform stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of the implementation of the new framework within the Midlands region and beyond.

Dr Cao said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to host the conference and engage with key stakeholders of decent work from the region and beyond. Our next step will be to continue the partnership with Acas and other institutions to further promote the development of good work policies, contributing to the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and Midlands’ post-Covid recovery.”

Acas Regional Director Louise Lenton added “This is an important milestone for the whole of the Midlands business community where there is a focus on levelling up and post-Covid recovery for all. The benefits of such a charter are immense and have a strong impact on the productivity within regional businesses.

“After close collaboration with our partners, we are excited about moving onto the next phase which is about fine-tuning the charter and piloting the plan with local organisations. The principles reflect Acas advice on good practice and how to improve productivity at work.”