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Professor Jonathan Payne

Job: Professor of Work, Employment and Skills

Faculty: Business and Law

School/department: Leicester Castle Business School

Research group(s): Director of the People, Organisations and Work Institute (POWI)

Address: The Gateway, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, LE1 9BH

T: +44 (0)116 257 7236

E: jpayne@dmu.ac.uk

W: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/bal

 

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Personal profile

Jonathan Payne is Professor of Work, Employment and Skills and Director of the People, Organisations and Work Institute (POWI). His main research interests include the political economy of skill, workplace innovation, UK skills policy, low wage work, job quality, and digital automation.

He has published extensively in these areas and is a co-author of 'Skills in the Age of Over-Qualification: Comparing Service Sector Work in Europe' (Oxford University Press, 2016).

Prior to working in higher education, Jonathan was a teacher in mainstream secondary schools. He has extensive teaching experience and is currently module leader for the postgraduate MA/PGDip module in ‘Employee Resourcing’.

He is a member of the editorial board of the 'British Journal of the Sociology of Education' and an associate member of the research network on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE), for whom he was a lead researcher between 1998 and 2012.

He has advised policy makers on skills utilisation, lifelong learning and workplace innovation in Scotland, England, Finland and Norway.

He is currently researching the impact of digital automation on jobs, skills and wider job quality, and is the principal investigator on a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled: 'Digital technologies and job quality: do trade unions make a difference?' ((£166,000, May 2020-January 2023). The study draws upon interviews with trade unions in selected sectors in Norway and the UK.

He is also conducting a project looking at the role of third sector organisations in helping the unemployed into work which examines the scope for a 'co-designed' approach to developing personalised packages of support, along with the role of employer engagement.

Research group affiliations

People, Organisations and Work Institute (POWI) and the Centre for Urban Research on Austerity (CURA)

Publications and outputs

  • Employer engagement with third-sector activation programmes for vulnerable groups: interrogating logics and roles
    Employer engagement with third-sector activation programmes for vulnerable groups: interrogating logics and roles Butler, Peter; Payne, Jonathan Employer engagement with active labour market programmes (ALMPs) and related employability projects is seen as vital to their ‘success’. However, the role of employers remains under-researched – a gap which widens in relation to non-governmental programmes led by not-for-profit, third-sector organisations (TSOs). Recent studies suggest that engaging employers may depend on addressing both human resource (HR) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) ‘logics’ and linking the roles of ‘gatekeeper to jobs’ and ‘proactive strategic partner’. A key question is whether TSO-led programmes are better placed to combine these logics and roles in engaging employers to help vulnerable groups into decent sustainable employment. The article explores this through a case study of two projects in England. The findings highlight the challenges that TSOs face in having to appeal almost exclusively to a CSR logic and explores why this is the case. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Butler, P. and Payne, J. (2023) Employer engagement with third-sector activation programmes for vulnerable groups: interrogating logics and roles, Journal of Social Policy,
  • ‘They tell us after they’ve decided things’: a cross-country analysis of unions and digitalisation in retail
    ‘They tell us after they’ve decided things’: a cross-country analysis of unions and digitalisation in retail Payne, Jonathan; Lloyd, Caroline; Jose, Secki P. The role of trade unions in the social shaping of digital technologies is a vital question for research, public policy and social justice. This article draws on interviews with two unions in the grocery retail sector in the UK and Norway, and examines their involvement in technology decisions, and whether they can shape better outcomes for workers. By comparing a ‘neo-liberal’ economy and a ‘Nordic welfare state’, the article considers whether stronger institutional power and regulatory supports in Norway provide for greater influence in a sector regarded as challenging for unions. The findings indicate relatively few country differences and help shed light on the factors that enable and constrain unions’ role in digitalisation. Payne, J., Lloyd, C. and Jose, S.P. (2023) ‘They tell us after they’ve decided things’: a cross-country analysis of unions and digitalisation in retail. Industrial Relations Journal,
  • Digital skills in context: Working with robots in lower-skilled jobs
    Digital skills in context: Working with robots in lower-skilled jobs Lloyd, Caroline; Payne, Jonathan Digital skills are increasingly presented as essential for work and labour market inclusion, with fears the low-skilled could be left behind. Lack of clarity about these new skill demands and limited evidence from the workplace have prompted calls to unpack skill requirements in specific sectors and occupations. This article analyses digital skills in relation to wider skills and knowledge required in a job, and examines the influence of the workplace, sector and national institutional context. The study focuses on robotic technologies in lower-skilled jobs, drawing on the experience of food and drink processing operatives, and logistic porters and service workers in public hospitals, in Norway and the UK. The article contributes to the conceptualisation of digital skills, probes country differences, and offers a grounded understanding of the challenges presented for workers in lower-skilled jobs. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2022) Digital skills in context: Working with robots in lower-skilled jobs. Economic and Industrial Democracy,
  • Of charities and choice: Researching the choices of the long-term unemployed on third-sector employability programmes
    Of charities and choice: Researching the choices of the long-term unemployed on third-sector employability programmes Payne, Jonathan; Butler, Peter ‘Work-first’ (or ‘workfare’) activation policies severely restrict the choices of the unemployed. Can third-sector organisations (TSOs), with their person-centred mission, support long-term unemployed adults to make their own choices, given individual and societal constraints? Commentators often focus on ‘what works’ in supporting those with complex needs; others draw on the ‘capabilities approach’ (CA). With commentators often talking past each other, two key issues emerge. First, what constitutes real choice, and, second, how to deal with the testimonies of programme users when those experiencing social deprivation may overstate the choices available to them? We argue that the CA’s dichotomisation of ‘true/real’ versus ‘constrained/no’ choice is problematic for a balanced assessment of choice possibilities across different programmes. Building on insights from current literatures, we develop a framework for researching choice possibilities. Using qualitative research, we apply this framework to a TSO employability programme in England, and find users have more control over their choices compared with UK workfare policy. The article contributes to international debates on the value of the CA, the links between programme form, user choice and well-being, and the scope for TSOs to deliver on their user-centred mission and prefigure better alternatives to workfare. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Payne, J. and Butler, P. (2022) Of charities and choice: Researching the choices of the long-term unemployed on third-sector employability programmes. Human Relations,
  • Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the grocery retail sector
    Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the grocery retail sector Payne, Jonathan; Lloyd, Caroline; Jose, Secki P. These are first-view research findings from a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled, 'Digital Technologies and Job Quality: Do Trade Unions Make A Difference?'; RPG-2019-275. Payne, J., Lloyd, C. and Jose, S.P. (2022) Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the grocery retail sector.
  • Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the food and drink processing sector
    Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the food and drink processing sector Lloyd, Caroline; Payne, Jonathan; Jose, Secki P. A report of research findings from a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled, 'Digital technologies and job quality: do trade unions make a difference?', RPG-2019-275. Lloyd, C., Payne, J. and Jose, S.P. (2022). Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the food and drink processing sector. UDIG: De Montfort University and Cardiff University.
  • Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the Banking Sector
    Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the Banking Sector Lloyd, Caroline; Payne, Jonathan; Jose, Secki P. A research report based on findings from a Leverhulme-funded research project: 'Digital technologies and job quality: do trade unions make a difference?' (RPG-2019-275) Lloyd, C., Payne, J. and Jose, S.P. (2022) Trade unions and Digitalisation in Norway and the UK: Findings from the Banking Sector. UDIG: De Montfort University and Cardiff University.
  • Food for thought: Robots, jobs and skills in food and drink processing in Norway and the UK
    Food for thought: Robots, jobs and skills in food and drink processing in Norway and the UK Lloyd, Caroline; Payne, Jonathan There is intense debate surrounding digitalisation and its implications for work. However, empirical research within established workplaces, especially international comparative studies, remains limited. This article uses cross-country research to further analysis of the relative importance of different institutions, actors and power relations in shaping digitalisation and worker outcomes. Through a multi-level approach, it compares the use of industrial robots in the food and drink processing sector in Norway and the UK. Drawing on qualitative research, it explores the pace of digitalisation, the process of implementation, and job and skills outcomes. The study finds strong national differences in the pace of digitalisation, and the role of unions in the process of implementation. In Norway, union power at workplace and national level, embedded in institutional arrangements, underpins more advanced use of technology and improved outcomes for workers. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2021) Food for thought: Robots, jobs and skills in food and drink processing in Norway and the UK. New Technology, Work and Employment,
  • Fewer jobs, better jobs? An international comparative study of robots and ‘routine’ work in the public sector
    Fewer jobs, better jobs? An international comparative study of robots and ‘routine’ work in the public sector Lloyd, Caroline; Payne, Jonathan Routine manual work is often considered particularly vulnerable to digitalisation. Alongside potential employment effects, jobs are expected to change in terms of task and skill requirements. This article contributes to debates on the pace of digitalisation and the impact on low-skilled manual work through a study of transport robots in public hospitals in Norway and Scotland. Drawing on qualitative research, the findings are used to analyse the role of unions, as part of ‘country’ and ‘sector’ effects, shaping digitalisation and its outcomes. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. Lloyd, C., Payne, J. (2021) Fewer jobs, better jobs? An international comparative study of robots and ‘routine’ work in the public sector. Industrial Relations Journal,
  • Rethinking country effects: Robotics, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK
    Rethinking country effects: Robotics, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK Lloyd, Caroline; Payne, Jonathan Current debates around robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are dominated by concerns over the threat to employment, amid widely varying estimates of potential job losses. Countries are expected to fare differently, but there is little comparative research that goes beyond analysing industry and occupational structures. This article rethinks ‘country effects’ by exploring the role of institutions and social actors in shaping technological change in Norway and the UK. Drawing upon interviews with technology experts, employer associations and trade unions, it examines their perspectives on public policy support for the development and diffusion of robotics and AI, along with potential consequences for employment, work and skills. The research indicates significant country differences and the continued relevance of institutions, interests and power in analysing country effects. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2019) Rethinking country effects: Robotics, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK. New Technology, Work and Employment,

Click here to see a full listing of Jonathan Payne's publications and outputs.

Key research outputs

Key recent research outputs include:

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2019) ‘Rethinking country effects: robots, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK, New Technology, Work and Employment, 34(3): 208-225.

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2018) ‘Hard times in latte land? Analysing pay and working time in the café industry in France, Norway and the UK’, Economic and Industrial Democracy, published on line November 2018

Payne, J. (2018) ‘LE(a)P in the dark? Devolution, local skills strategies and inclusive growth in England’, Journal of Education and Work, 31(5-6): 489-502.

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2018) Licensed to skill? The impact of occupational regulation on fitness instructors, European Journal of Industrial Relations, 24(1), 91-108.

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2016) Skills in the Age of Over-Qualification: Comparing Service Sector Work in Europe, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Research interests/expertise

The political economy of skill

Skills policy

Workplace innovation

Job quality

Low wage work

Automation and the future of work

Areas of teaching

Employee Resourcing (postgraduate)

Dissertation supervision

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Politics (University of York) 1987

MA (econ) Political Theory (University of Manchester) 1989

PGCE (University of East Anglia) 1991

Courses taught

Employee Resourcing module (MA/PGDip)

Membership of professional associations and societies

HEA Associate Fellow (2016)

Projects

Jonathan is currently researching the impact of digital automation on jobs, skills and wider job quality, and is the principal investigator on a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled 'Digital technologies and job quality: do trade unions make a difference?' (£160,633, May 2020-January 2023). The study draws upon interviews with trade unions in selected sectors in Norway and the UK.

He is also conducting a project looking at the role of third sector organisations in helping the unemployed into work which examines the scope for a 'co-designed' approach to developing personalised packages of support, along with the role of employer engagement.

Conference attendance

Jonathan has presented numerous papers at a range of international conferences including the International Labour Process Conference, SASE, BUIRA, and the Work, Employment and Society conference.

Key articles information

Key recent research outputs include:

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2019) ‘Rethinking country effects: robots, AI and work futures in Norway and the UK, New Technology, Work and Employment, 34(3): 208-225.

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2018) ‘Hard times in latte land? Analysing pay and working time in the café industry in France, Norway and the UK’, Economic and Industrial Democracy, published on line November 2018

Payne, J. (2018) ‘LE(a)P in the dark? Devolution, local skills strategies and inclusive growth in England’, Journal of Education and Work, 31(5-6): 489-502.

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2018) Licensed to skill? The impact of occupational regulation on fitness instructors, European Journal of Industrial Relations, 24(1), 91-108.

Lloyd, C. and Payne, J. (2016) Skills in the Age of Over-Qualification: Comparing Service Sector Work in Europe, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Consultancy work

  • In September 2020, I gave advice to members of a team within the Department of Education (DfE) working on the forthcoming Further Education white paper interested in the role of FE in supporting employer demand for, and use of, skills.
  • In November 2018, I presented research on the impact of robotics in the food and drink processing sector to the Norwegian food workers’ union (NNN) annual conference in Oslo.
  • In June 2018, I presented research on the impact of robotics/AI on work and employment in the UK and Norway to a roundtable audience including the social partners in Norway.
  • In June 2017, I was invited to a roundtable discussion with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury and Economic Advisors on ‘The future of occupational regulation and its impact on the UK labour market’, to draw on my expertise in this area.
  • In July 2016, I was an expert advisor and reviewer for the Government Office for Science Foresight Team’s Review of skills and lifelong learning in Britain.
  • Provided feedback to the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research on apprenticeships in Norway and the UK (1999 and 2002).
  • Feedback on the Finnish Workplace Development Programme used to inform discussions within the Finnish Ministry of Labour (2003).
  • Unpublished report on Recognition of Non-Formal and Informal Learning in Norway used as a basis for an overarching OECD report on RNIFL.
  • Discussions with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on the 2009 skills strategy, Skills for Growth.
  • Advice to key Scottish policy makers/stakeholders on skills utilisation policy in Scotland through the running of a high-level ministerial policy seminar (2011),
  • Advice to the Scottish Funding Council and the Skills Committee on the future development of its programme of skills utilisation projects (2011).

Current research students

  • PhD Student (part-time) John Kimberley ‘Edward Cadbury – Paternalistic employer or Quaker-inspired pathfinder of British industrial relations pluralism and women workers’ champion?' (first supervisor).
  • PhD Student (part-time) Adele Brown ‘Leicester’s loyals: Causes of graduate underemployment in Leicester and implications for the economic and social value of local graduates to the city.’ (second supervisor)

Externally funded research grants information

'Digital technologies and job quality: do trade unions make a difference?', Leverhulme Research Grant, 2020-2023, principal investigator with Caroline Lloyd (Cardiff University), award: £160,633.

'Days of Future Past? The impact of robots on work in the UK and Norway', British Academy small grant, 2017-2019, co-investigator with Caroline Lloyd (Cardiff University), award: £9,640.

Internally funded research project information

"Co-designing pathways to decent work? A case study of two third sector projects in England working with the long-term unemployed, economically inactive and young people who are NEET", Business and Law Research Fund, November 2020-April 2021, co-investigator with Dr. Peter Butler.

 

Professional esteem indicators

Editorial board member of the British Journal of the Sociology of Education and the regular reviewer for the Industrial Relations Journal. In addition, I review submitted papers to wide range of key journals including New Technology, Work and Employment, Human Relations, and the Journal of Education and Work.