The Cost of Caring

Join the University of Liverpool Management School for a thought-provoking business breakfast event exploring the hidden economic impact of caring responsibilities and their implications for employment, inclusion and financial resilience.

Part of the University of Liverpool's Festival of Social Sciences, this event will showcase research from the Liverpool Economic Activity Framework (LEAF) project, examining how caring responsibilities, particularly for children with disabilities, can affect employment opportunities, household income and participation in the labour market.

Bringing together employers, policymakers, academics and third-sector organisations, the event will explore the challenges facing carers, the realities of the cost-of-living crisis, and the practical steps organisations can take to create more inclusive workplaces.

The programme will include a presentation from Professor Ian Burn, Professor of Economics and Chair in Applied Microeconomics at the University of Liverpool, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Paul Amann, Principal Officer for Employment and Skills at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
  

Key themes will include: Cost of living pressures and disability related costs; Women's labour market participation and caring responsibilities; Employer challenges in offering flexibility and adjustments; Inclusive HR practices and non-traditional working models; Policy and system-level barriers

Professor Ian Burn, Professor in Applied Microeconomics will lead the event.  Non-academic partners include: LCRCA, Mason Foundation, Strawberry Field and Harker

The event is open to all but is aimed at employers, HR professionals, policymakers, third-sector organisations, researchers and anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and equitable labour market.  Please note: we will not be able to discuss or comment on any individual cases pertaining to care leave, benefit payments etc

Those with an interest in the Cost of Care: policy makers, employers, those with an interest in inclusion, academics etc.

We encourage you to travel by public transport if possible.  Central Tech, 31 Russell Street, Liverpool L3 5LJ.  Refreshments are included and the venue is accessible.  ///relax.cages.rail

5pm on 3rd November 2026