Our Small Group of multi-disciplinary researchers from seven universities aims to address afresh the interlinked topics of underemployment and unemployment. We aim to progress knowledge of the economic world via developing innovative interdisciplinary theoretical approaches and designing appropriate investigative methodologies.

Unemployment levels in the UK did not rise as quickly or as much as projected after the recession of 2008-9. One factor in this unexpected development was an extraordinary growth in underemployment. The continuing but accelerated growth of the underemployed – workers employed below their potential in terms of hours, skills and qualifications – raises key questions about underemployment and unemployment as consequences of social and economic turmoil, and crucial linkages between the two, both conceptually and experientially.

An innovative holistic interdisciplinary approach is essential in order to critically challenge incumbent theories and understandings around underemployment and unemployment. Too commonly studied separately, our joint position is that underemployment and unemployment must be explored concurrently if we are to better understand the state of the economic world and outcomes for workers and job seekers, their families and communities, trade unions, employers and managers.

Questions that consider the overlap between underemployment and unemployment cross established disciplinary boundaries. The core members of the Small Group, expert in the analysis of underemployment, unemployment and working lives, are located across disciplines that offer varying theoretical underpinnings and diverse methodologies. We bring these together in this unique proposal.