Academic publication
19 April 2025
This new Spotlight report - produced by a partnership of Cornish academics and business groups and released today by the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) – focuses work from our Good Work Monitor into the local context of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It reveals that while the region has made significant strides in implementing good work principles, deeper structural economic challenges must be addressed to ensure sustained and equitable growth and lasting job quality improvements.
Our Good Work Monitor examines six dimensions of good work across all 203 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. Drilling down into the local data for the regions, the challenges and opportunities of improving access to good work in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are able to be surfaced.
Using case studies and local expertise, it outlines Cornwall's labour market dynamics and highlights significant progress that has been made in access to good work, but how seasonal fluctuations and market conditions remain obstacles to faster change.
Key findings include:
Cornwall's progress in good work implementation has been notable but remains vulnerable to underlying economic structures
Seasonal employment patterns continue to create systemic barriers to sustainable, high-quality work
Low-margin business models across traditional sectors limit employers' ability to enhance work conditions
Housing affordability and infrastructure constraints present significant obstacles to workforce development
Sustained investment in infrastructure, skills and housing is needed.
With strategic interventions, the region could establish itself as a national leader in good work practices for peripheralised economies across the UK.
Get in touch if you would be interested in partnering with IFOW to produce a Spotlight Report for your region.
Nature Human Behaviour
Education
Strategy
UK
