The Work Futures Research Centre Podcast

Ben Thomas
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The Work Futures Research Centre is an interdisciplinary research and enterprise hub tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the world of paid and unpaid work. This podcast, run by WFRC fellows, brings academics and experts from the world of work into dialogue to explore a different topic each episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. The Value of Migrant Enterprise in the UK

    Mar 30

    The Value of Migrant Enterprise in the UK

    In this podcast Carolynn Low, a WFRC fellow, speaks with Professor Monder Ram from Aston University about his extensive research on ethnic minority and migrant businesses in the UK. He highlights the significant contributions that these businesses make to the UK economy and the local communities they serve. Professor Ram also stresses the importance of research that is relevant to policy and practice, and of collaborating beyond academia to help address the barriers these businesses face in achieving growth and sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  2. Meaningful Work

    09/04/2025

    Meaningful Work

    WFRC PhD candidate Fabien (HR professional turned academic) is in conversation with Professor Michael Tomlinson (Southampton Education School) as they tackle questions related to the concept of Meaningful Work: What even is meaningful work—and how do individuals and society benefit?What happens when work feels hollow or disconnected?And crucially, how can we bring meaning back into the workplace?From exploring the philosophical foundations to the modern ideas of “b******t jobs,” and "quiet quitting,", this thoughtful episode blends research, real-world insight, and hopeful musings for the future.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  3. Artificial Intelligence and Creative Work

    07/10/2025

    Artificial Intelligence and Creative Work

    In this podcast Dan Ashton (Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Southampton and one of Work Futures Research Centre Co-Directors) and Dr Karen Patel (Associate Professor in Media in the College of English and Media and Co-Lead of the Centre for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts (CEDIA) at Birmingham City University) explore the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and creative work. Set within the quickly changing landscape of AI and the creative industries where there are ongoing debates around intellectual property, the nature of creativity and the impact on work practices, this podcast explores their research on construction of a humanoid robot artist identity. References: Will a robot take your job?   The Future of Employment   AI and the reformulation of cultural labour              Creative Industries and GenAI: Policy recommendations to support an industry in transition   Assemblages of creativity: Material practices in the creative economy   Creative Work and Artificial Intelligence: Imaginaries, Assemblages and Portfolios   The Politics of Expertise in Cultural Labour: Arts, Work, Inequalities   ‘People don’t buy art, they buy artists’: Robot artists – work, identity, and expertise   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  4. Are universities equipping graduates with skills for industry?

    06/24/2025

    Are universities equipping graduates with skills for industry?

    Dr Ben Thomas talks to Emily about a recent report from the Software Sustainability Institute (SSI) which examines what skills software engineering graduates bring to industry, and what skills employers say are missing. They discuss the reasons behind any skills gaps, and the varying roles that higher education, industry, and government might play in bridging these skill gaps in the context of today's higher education landscape. The SSI report was worked on by: Dr Ben Thomas (Researcher) Dr Rebecca Taylor (Principle Investigator) Professor Simon Hettrick (Co-Investigator) Dr Clare Jenner (Co-Investigator) Note from Ben: Apologies for the sound quality in this episode. I'm normally behind the microphone making sure the sound levels are correct – I was obviously distracted having to speak, so my voice is distorted at times. I hope you can still enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  5. Green Jobs

    01/10/2025

    Green Jobs

    The term ‘Green Jobs’ has become something of a buzzword, but it represents a crucial priority for the UK as we consider the future of our society and workforce. Emily Bastable, a PhD student and Fellow at the Work Futures Research Centre, interviews Sian Campbell, Senior Enterprise Fellow at Southampton Business School and creator of Make Your Place, an enterprise challenge for young people. Together, they explore the concept of Green Jobs, the current skills shortage, and the role universities and government initiatives, such as the Industrial Strategy, can play in fostering these sustainable careers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  6. Brexit, migration, and employment...what the numbers don't tell you.

    11/27/2024

    Brexit, migration, and employment...what the numbers don't tell you.

    In this episode of the WFRC podcast, Maria Villares-Varela talks with Ben Brindle about the impact of Brexit and the new immigration law on migration fluxes to and from the UK, and on the British job market. The conversation reveals how unintended, and often untold, consequences of post-Brexit migration policies affect employment differently from what the national headlines usually tell us.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  7. Welcome to the WFRC Podcast!

    Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Welcome to the WFRC Podcast!

    In this introductory episode, Emily and Michele speak with one of the WFRC directors, Dr Rebecca Taylor. Rebecca gives us a history of the research centre, and explores our plans for this academic year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

Trailer

About

The Work Futures Research Centre is an interdisciplinary research and enterprise hub tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the world of paid and unpaid work. This podcast, run by WFRC fellows, brings academics and experts from the world of work into dialogue to explore a different topic each episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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