Low Wages in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
A research project to inform long-term strategy for Cornwall Council
Project Overview
The research was commissioned in 2021 by the EU Growth Programme Support Team at Cornwall Council to better understand the causes and possible solutions to persistent low wages in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The findings painted a powerful picture of in-work poverty affecting all parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but especially coastal towns. Quite simply, the findings showed that work does not pay for almost 4 out of 10 people.
Prior to the research, civic and business leaders in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly had already embarked on a number of activities designed to tackle low pay and productivity and it was intended that this detailed research would galvanise new partnerships and provide the evidence base to effectively ‘turn the curve’ of low pay.
The report provided the evidence base to inform how the remaining EU Funds at the time could best have impact in addressing low pay.
The project was undertaken in collaboration with Red Box Research.
Various other projects undertaken for Cornwall Council: Hayle Harbour Economic Impact Assessment (2018), Cornwall Economic Intelligence Support (2020), Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind – Strengthening Places Bid Economic Impact Analytical Support (2020), Penzance Future High Street Growth Fund Bid Support (2020), Camelford Bypass Wider Economic Impacts (2021), Cornwall Town Deals Bid Support (2022).
What our client says
“The work that Smart Growth Analytics undertook for Cornwall Council really helped us to gain a deeper understanding of some of the more challenging aspects of low pay and the resulting economic impacts. As a result, we were able to identify the particular issues that we need to address as well as the different spatial targeting that was required in different areas of Cornwall which we could then use to inform policy development and delivery decisions. Many of the key issues highlighted in the analysis were not immediately identifiable through published data so the analytical approach adopted by Smart Growth Analytics added significant value to our work”.
“Jim Plunkett-Cole has a particular ability to listen to our needs and then, if necessary, challenge our suggested approach in order to ensure that the analysis he undertakes is as robust and useful as possible. This challenge often improves the resulting analysis by suggesting alternative approaches and options that we may wish to consider. Once the brief is agreed he uses his experience to develop analytical tools and approaches and always delivers to agreed timescales and milestones. Jim also has the proven ability to present the data in both detailed technical formats but also in more user-friendly formats depending on the audience. I have no hesitation in recommending Jim to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their local economy.”
