Inequalities

The Regional Assembly commissioned Yorkshire Futures to carry out research into inequalities within the region. The research addressed the specific questions: How far are inequalities reducing, increasing or stable in the region, and how does this vary geographically? How does the region compare with the rest of the UK? And how does the Leeds City region compare with both?

The work provides the Sustainable Development Board with evidence to enable it to formulate advice on how to tackle the trend for widening inequalities.

The report starts by defining the concept of inequalities and defines its usage within this research. Three areas of inequalities are then discussed: Income and labour markets; communities and environment; and health.

The income and labour market section reports that the gap between the richest and the poorest has increased within the region, which also reflects national trends. There is a commentary on how an “hour-glass labour market” may be emerging, which is defined by an increase in the number of “higher paid” and “lower paid” jobs and a shrinking middle range. The role of technologies in the labour markets is also explored.

An uneven distribution of skills across society is explored in the communities and environment section. Issues such as particular people and groups being more likely to be in lower skilled occupations is explored. The research also suggests that areas with higher concentrations of deprivation have lowest levels of social cohesion. These factors are looked at in terms of trust and fostering economic growth. Environmental quality and housing are also discussed and the way in which they may affect equality issues.

Finally the Health section looks at life expectancy, teenage pregnancy and obesity issues in terms of socio-economic inequalities. The research reports that studies show the links between clinical depression and levels of inequalities in society and consequently how this impacts in dropping out of the labour market.

For more information, contact the Assembly.

You can download the research below.

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