Conceptualizing decent work: an explorative study of decent work in England’s Midlands region

Despite an increased focus on the quality as well as quantity of work, conceptualization of decent work remains underdeveloped. There is no single agreed definition of decent work. The International Labour Organization provides an overarching definition of decent work as “productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity”. This article contributes to conceptual advancement of decent work by compiling a new holistic framework comprising dimensions of decent work, distributive and contributive justice, hard and soft policy regulation, and levels of decent work. Its main aim is to evaluate the suitability of this new conceptual framework for exploring the prognosis on decent work – mainly as a means for informing policy interventions. This is done by applying the framework empirically through analyzing evidence collected in the context of the UK’s Midlands region using qualitative research methods, including interviews capturing perspectives from various stakeholders. Limited sub-national devolved policy levers are identified, exacerbated by limited hard regulations nationally supporting decent work/workers’ rights.