The Future of Good Work: The Foundation of a Moral Economy

Thinking about the broader role of good work in our society invites a broader conversation about the foundational principles which should frame this debate. There is also an urgent need for new thinking about the most appropriate policy architecture for supporting a ‘people first’ approach to managing transition.

The Charter we have published continues our journey towards creating a framework for the future of good work that meets these needs. It sets out key ethical or ‘moral’ principles which characterise good work. Following a public consultation, we will finalise the Charter and then undertake in-depth work with our partners to explore ways to implement the principles in specific areas.

The origin of the Charter lies in the foundational principles for good work developed by Professor Michael Sandel for the Future of Good Work Commission. Good work should be accessible to everyone, and should promote dignity, autonomy and security. The Charter pulls together diverse evidence streams, connecting perspectives from moral philosophy, law, economics, trade unions and business. It also draws from a number of national and international initiatives aimed at making work fairer and better. Each serves an important function. We think that if they are drawn together, their impact and influence will be amplified. Together, they will be more powerful in laying the foundations of a modern moral economy.

The Charter is an organising framework for policy-orientation and practice designed to encourage commitment and fresh-thinking from government and business about the fundamental components of good work and how to protect these components through the new industrial revolution. We hope it will encourage people and institutions to prioritise the creation of future good work, facilitate a broader dialogue about the social and economic conditions needed for future good work, and lead to practical solutions. National government may consider the Charter in developing industrial strategy across sectors including sectors such as retail and transport, which are poorly paid and undergoing significant disruption. Businesses may use the Charter as a checklist when designing or applying new technology, and responsible employers may adopt it as they introduce the technology.

1. Access: Everyone should have equal access to good work
2. Fair pay: Everyone should be fairly paid
3. Fair conditions: Everyone should work on fair conditions set out in fair terms
4. Equality: Everyone should be treated equally and without discrimination
5. Dignity: Work should promote dignity
6. Autonomy: Work should promote autonomy
7. Wellbeing: Work should promote physical and mental wellbeing
8. Support: Everyone should have access to institutions and people who can represent their interests
9. Participation: Everyone should be able to take part in determining and improving working conditions
10. Learning: Everyone should have access to facilities for career guidance and training

This piece was originally published as part of a paper produced by the Institute for the Future of Work.

This article was written by Naomi Climer CBE, Co-Chair of the Institute for the Future of Work and Anna Thomas, Founding Director of the Institute for the Future of Work