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Inequality, Redistribution and Wage Progression

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  • Richard Blundell
Abstract
Changes in the structure of work and families over the last four decades have increased many labour market inequalities. Growing earnings inequality, adverse labour market ‘shocks’ for the low‐educated, and geographically concentrated pockets of deprivation are among the most evident of these in Britain. The decade since the financial crisis has brought these inequalities into sharper focus, and the Covid‐19 pandemic has further exacerbated labour market inequality. The object of this paper is to highlight the key role played by poor wage progression for lower‐ and middle‐educated workers in understanding inequality in the labour market and for designing effective policy responses. It is unlikely that we can address all the concerns about low wages, wage progression and earnings inequality through the tax and welfare system alone. The challenge is how best to balance tax and welfare benefit policy with other policies, such as human capital policies, the minimum wage and labour market regulation. The results point to a mix of policies that aim to enhance wage progression for the lower‐educated within a welfare system that supports low‐earning families and provides a minimum wage floor for hourly wages.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Blundell, 2022. "Inequality, Redistribution and Wage Progression," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 89(S1), pages 160-177, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:econom:v:89:y:2022:i:s1:p:s160-s177
    DOI: 10.1111/ecca.12425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patrick Bennett & Richard Blundell & Kjell G. Salvanes, 2020. "A second chance? Labor market returns to adult education using school reforms," IFS Working Papers W20/28, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    2. Richard Blundell & Monica Costa Dias & Costas Meghir & Jonathan Shaw, 2016. "Female Labor Supply, Human Capital, and Welfare Reform," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 84, pages 1705-1753, September.
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    9. Blundell, Richard & Joyce, Robert & Norris Keiller, Agnes & Ziliak, James P., 2018. "Income inequality and the labour market in Britain and the US," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 48-62.
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    12. Chris Belfield & Richard Blundell & Jonathan Cribb & Andrew Hood & Robert Joyce, 2017. "Two Decades of Income Inequality in Britain: The Role of Wages, Household Earnings and Redistribution," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 84(334), pages 157-179, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Richard Blundell, 2024. "Beyond tax credits and the minimum wage: the challenge of labour market inequality," Fiscal Studies, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 45(1), pages 25-42, March.
    2. Roantree, Barra & Barrett, Michelle & Redmond, Paul, 2022. "Poverty, income inequality and living standards in Ireland: 2nd annual report," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number JR1.
    3. Roantree, Barra & Doorley, Karina, 2023. "Poverty, income inequality and living standards in Ireland: Third annual report," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number JR4.
    4. Hingre, Garance & Russell, Helen & McGinnity, Frances & Smyth, Emer, 2024. "Gender and labour market inclusion on the island of Ireland," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number RS176.
    5. Haapanala, Henri & Marx, Ive & Parolin, Zachary, 2022. "Decent Wage Floors in Europe: Does the Minimum Wage Directive Get It Right?," IZA Discussion Papers 15660, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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