Welfare Markets and Household Income Protection in England and Scotland
The Royal Society of Arts (RSA), London
24 November 2011, 11am-5pm
There are a few places at the above seminar. The event focuses on the presentation and discussion of the main findings of a recently completed large scale project on middle income households and the ways they secure their income against particular risks (eg unemployment, sickness, need for long-term care), plan for the future (eg pensions) and consider foreseeable expenses (eg children in higher education). Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Southampton investigated the relative importance attached to state support, employer provided occupational benefits and personal income provision such as private insurance and savings.
The seminar consists of four project presentations, question and answer sessions and a panel discussion. It aims to bring together participants from policy making and implementation, the financial sector, media, employers and academia.
For further information visit the seminar website at www.socialpolicy.ed.ac.uk/seminar_london
or download the flyer <http://www.socialpolicy.ed.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/73111/SPS_Invitation_A5_web.pdf> .
The programme:
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10.30 Arrival / Refreshments
Protecting income
Professor Jochen Clasen, University of Edinburgh
Providing some general background information about the project, this presentation goes on to map the current 'welfare mix' in the areas of unemployment, sickness and pensions. It illustrates the declining role of public provision for middle income earners, the range of private insurance cover and the enduring relevance of occupational benefits for some groups.
11.45-12.30
Who is covered if unable to work? Statutory, occupational and private income protection
Dr Alison Koslowski, University of Edinburgh
Discussant: Dr Andreas Cebulla, National Institute of Economic and Social Research
Certain social groups are more likely than others either to take out private insurance products and/or be covered by an occupational (redundancy; sickness) scheme. Whilst higher income groups may be more likely to consider private insurance, they may regard themselves less at risk of unemployment. Drawing on an analysis of large-scale survey data, this presentation describes the nature of protection available and aims to explain why some households are better covered than others.
12.30-13.30 Lunch (provided)
13.30-14.15
How do middle income households plan for unemployment, sickness and retirement?
Dr Traute Meyer, Caroline Andow, Stephan Köppe, University of Southampton and Edinburgh
Discussant: Emeritus Professor Janet Ford, University of York
The presentation provides findings from extensive qualitative interviews with 61 couples with above average incomes in England and Scotland. It shows that ways of securing income security, as well attitudes towards savings, insurances, occupational provision and other forms of income protection (such as property, partner income etc) vary greatly. Nevertheless, the presentation suggests that certain types of risk management styles can be identified.
14.30-15.15
How have middle income households experienced the financial crisis?
Dr Traute Meyer, Caroline Andow, Stephan Köppe, University of Southampton and Edinburgh
Discussant: Dr Tania Burchardt, London School of Economics (LSE)
Little is known about the ways the recent financial and economic crisis has affected perceptions on household finances and income protection. This paper explores the views of 61 couples in England and Scotland. In which ways has the crisis affected views and behaviour regarding income security? The presentation explores why couples respond in different ways.
15.45-17.00
Risk management of middle income households - do we need welfare reform?
Panel discussion
Moderator: Dr Traute Meyer, University of Southampton
Based on a brief summary of main findings, participants from different sectors in society will discuss how social policy supports middle income households' risk management and whether there is a case for welfare reform.
The seminar is free including the lunch but places are limited. Please register by 4th November 2011; email to [log in to unmask]
The Royal Society of Arts is located at 8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ
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Stephan Köppe
Research Fellow
School of Social and Political Science
University of Edinburgh
3.01 Chrystal Macmillan Building
15a George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LD
United Kingdom
phone: +44 131 651 3179
email: [log in to unmask]
homepage: www.socialpolicy.ed.ac.uk/staff/stephan_koeppe
ESRC Project: Welfare Markets and Personal Risk Management in England and Scotland
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Jochen Clasen
Professor of Comparative Social Policy
School of Social and Political Science
University of Edinburgh
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15A George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LD
Tel: +44 131 6509922
email: [log in to unmask]
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
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