Inequality affects individual and collective wellbeing, diminishes growth and productivity and undermines trust in key societal institutions.

It is particularly important in the contemporary political context, when years of austerity have amplified social divisions and fuelled attacks against democratic and capitalist institutions.

The fact that the 85 richest people in the world have as many assets as the world’s poorest 3.5 billion people brings today’s social and economic divisions into stark relief. As such building an economy that works for all is crucial grand challenge facing most societies. Organizations, their structures, practices and strategies are central to this agenda, providing both potential barriers and solutions to inequality.

Inequality and social justice are long standing concerns in academic research and public policy. Our research focuses on the relationship between inequality as a broad multifaceted concept, and organisations, their structures, practices and strategies.

Research highlights

Making fast food fair

Tony Royle
Our research into the international fast food industry reveals violations of international labour standards, violations of national employment protections and violations of voice at the workplace.

LGBT+ employee networks within the NHS

Anna Einarsdottir
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) individuals form an important part of diverse British workplaces. By better understanding staff networks, we're helping to create inclusive environments.

Legal privilege

Daniel Muzio
We worked with the Solicitor Regulatory Authority to analyse how gender, ethnicity, disability and class affect the careers of solicitors in England and Wales.

Groups and centres

Corruption Network Cluster

The  investigates corruption in the working environment and how corrupt practices become institutionalised.