One way to capture the flood of research during the pandemic was to gather and organise information using evidence synthesis methods, such as an evidence map. During the pandemic, I worked at the EPPI Centre developing their Living Map of systematic reviews of social research focused on COVID-19, as part of the IPPO partnership.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered major shifts in labour markets globally. There has been an increasing focus globally on expanding and diversifying workforces, as well as facilitating the participation of underutilised groups in the labour market, and people with disabilities (PWD) are one of the key groups of interest.
Little in recent years has brought social change more swiftly, and with such little precedent, as the shift to remote methods in work, education, and service delivery. Understanding how this continues to impact disabled people is critical to addressing socioeconomic inequalities in UK society.
Northern Ireland is at a critical juncture to tap into the potential of its older workforce, both in terms of recruitment and retaining their valuable skills within the labour force. However, numerous obstacles, such as declining health, caregiving responsibilities, and age-related discrimination, can hasten the disengagement of older individuals from the workforce.
