Technology is changing the world of work — from AI to app-based firms and the pandemic-induced surge in remote working. The benefits of these new technologies can often pass low-earners by, or ratchet up insecurity in their working lives. But new technologies also have the potential to improve workers’ pay, skills and career paths — if that potential can be harnessed. To develop that potential, the Resolution Foundation has brought together leading foundations and social investors to launch the Workertech Partnership — the UK’s first-ever worker-focused innovation fund — backed by Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Ufi VocTech Trust, Friends Provident Foundation, Accenture, Trust for London, and Bethnal Green Ventures. The Foundation is building on this partnership to host its first ever WorkerTech Conference in central London. We are bringing together over 100 founders, innovators, researchers, funders and investors to share learning and identify new paths to achieving better work in the UK. Over the course of the conference, we will explore the emerging dynamic between social impact investors and start-ups, and examine how these mission-driven organisations – in collaboration with foundations, researchers, unions and businesses – can use data and technology to benefit low-paid workers and those in precarious work. Conference recording width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"> Agenda 9am – Registration opens 9:30am – Welcome and introduction 9:45am – Panel 1: Tech and the future of better work Sherry Coutu, Chair of Workfinder Anna Maybank, Founder and CEO of Breakroom Stephen Muers, CEO of Big Society Capital Andrew Pakes, Deputy General Secretary at Prospect Union Chair: Sarah O’Connor, Employment Columnist at the Financial Times 10:30am – Panel 2: Improving access to training and skills Louise Murphy, Economist at Resolution Foundation Helen Gironi, Director of Ufi Ventures Claudine Adeyemi, Founder and CEO of Earlybird Chair: Danielle Walker-Palmour, Director of Friends Provident Foundation 11:15am – Break 11:45am – Breakout sessions Breakout 1: Learning and training Breakout 2: Careers guidance and employability 12:30pm – Lunch 1:30pm – Panel 3: Ways to support worker choice and worker power Hannah Slaughter, Senior Economist at the Resolution Foundation Kate Dearden, Head of Research, Policy and Engagement at Community Union Emma Back, Founder of Equal Care Coop Jeegar Kakkad, Director of Future of Britain Policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Chair: Klara Skrivankova, Director of Programmes at Trust for London 2:15pm – Breakout sessions Breakout 1: Better labour platforms Breakout 2: Worker choice and worker power 3pm – Break 3:30pm – Panel 4: The Future of Good Work for the UK Anna Thomas, Co-Founder and Director of the Institute for the Future of Work Danyal Sattar, CEO of Big Issue Invest Paul Kissack, CEO of Joseph Rowntree Foundation Chair: Gavin Kelly, Chair of the Resolution Foundation 4:20pm – Closing remarks 4:30pm – Drinks reception
