Reposted by Rod HickLee Gregory (he/him) 🏳️🌈 @academiclee.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Time, Welfare and Society is now published!! We talk a lot about money in welfare debates — but far less about time. Yet time is the resource people lose first: waiting, repeating, proving, recovering. This book asks: What if welfare began with time instead? www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/tim... 1105
Reposted by Rod Hickstuart @stuartp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026iron rule of British politics is even if a guy who dresses as a bin becomes prime minister he will have been to Oxbridge 323205798
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Bad news, since the UK wants to understand the European Union much less than it wants to rejoin it. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comIf the UK wants to rejoin the European Union, it first needs to understand it | Timothy Garton AshA full return will require a marathon of democratic persuasion, on the continent as much as in Britain. For one side holds most of the cards, says Guardian columnist Timothy Garton Ash 030
Reposted by Rod HickRod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Some thoughts from me on Plaid Cymru's Welsh Child Payment pilot. 022
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Some thoughts from me on Plaid Cymru's Welsh Child Payment pilot. 022
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 17/05/2026Quite a thing to read while trying to arrange a long-overdue catch-up with some very old friends. Recommended. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/civil-...timesofindia.indiatimes.comThe quiet grief of adult friendshipA few weeks ago, a friend called me at 01:40 AM. Not texted. Called. For a brief second, my body prepared itself for bad news. Adulthood has conditioned most of us to believe that late-night... 130
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 05/05/2026Nothing quite makes the case for PR like the amount of campaigning - and campaign material - it stimulates. 010
Reposted by Rod HickDr Sioned Pearce @sionedps.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Next Wednesday 29 April in London I'm discussing my new book on youth unemployment and devolution along with six other authors. The event is free, hosted at the Resolution Foundation and is organised by the SPA Employment Policy Group. Sign-up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-and-w...eventbrite.co.ukWork and welfare: employment policy in Britain and beyondWhat's happening to employment policy in Britain and beyond? 053
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 21/04/2026A good morning for Keir Starmer: Robbins' evidence - essentially that the oral report on Mandelson's security vetting does not match the paperwork, that he wasn't informed of the final SV recommendation and that records of communications with No.10 might be incomplete - is pretty unimpressive. 000
Reposted by Rod HickCalum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 16/04/2026No10’s account is incredible. I held Developed Vetting for nearly ten years and spent three years at the heart of the Cabinet Office. I have never heard of a Developed Vetting denial being overruled. Here’s why…🧵 www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comRevealed: Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decisionGuardian investigation uncovers decision by UK security officials to deny clearance before Mandelson took up role as US ambassador 18278145
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 17/04/2026Inconceivable that Starmer can cling to his current lines for long. As @newseye.bsky.social reminds us below, the Independent reported that Mandelson had failed security vetting back in Sept. Not credible to believe government didn't investigate at that point. 000
Reposted by Rod HickLee Gregory (he/him) 🏳️🌈 @academiclee.bsky.social · 14/04/2026New book! Housing Inequality in the 21st Century is now published. The book explores how policy, markets and wider social change are reshaping housing inequality—and why this matters for wellbeing and justice. policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/housing-ineq... #Housing #Inequality #PublicPolicypolicy.bristoluniversitypress.co.ukHousing Inequality in the 21st CenturyHousing Inequality in the 21st Century - Social Policy and the Political Economy of Housing in the UK; This book exposes how deep-rooted political and economic forces continue to shape unequal housing... 2164
Reposted by Rod HickMartin O'Neill @martinoneill.bsky.social · 11/04/2026This has not been discussed in parliament. If the British military are aiding and abetting war crimes in Lebanon, and our politicians have not even explained to us why this is happening, in what sense are we living in a genuinely democratic society any more? 38521291
Reposted by Rod HickRod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Are you looking for post-doc funding to publish from your PhD or conduct new engagement work? The ESRC's post-doc scheme call is now live. If you'd be interested in being mentored by me (or someone at Cardiff), then do reach out - internal deadlines are quite tight www.ukri.org/opportunity/...ukri.orgESRC postdoctoral fellowshipsApply for a postdoctoral fellowship to develop your career by consolidating your PhD through developing publications, your networks and your research and professional skills. 001
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Are you looking for post-doc funding to publish from your PhD or conduct new engagement work? The ESRC's post-doc scheme call is now live. If you'd be interested in being mentored by me (or someone at Cardiff), then do reach out - internal deadlines are quite tight www.ukri.org/opportunity/...ukri.orgESRC postdoctoral fellowshipsApply for a postdoctoral fellowship to develop your career by consolidating your PhD through developing publications, your networks and your research and professional skills. 001
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 27/03/2026If you read one thing on the UK's latest poverty estimates, read this 000
Reposted by Rod HickAlex Clegg @alexclegg.bsky.social · 27/03/2026🧵 New HBAI data out yesterday from DWP and it comes with a big methodological upgrade. For the first time, Family Resources Survey responses have been linked to benefits admin records, fixing years of benefit under-reporting. Here's what it means for how we understand poverty in the UK... 2105
Reposted by Rod HickRod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 24/03/2026What lessons should government learn from the cost-of-living shock that followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine for how to support households in the face of the current energy price spike? open.substack.com/pub/rodhick/...open.substack.comLearning from the last crisisFour lessons for tackling the cost-of-living crisis arising from the war on Iran 023
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 24/03/2026What lessons should government learn from the cost-of-living shock that followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine for how to support households in the face of the current energy price spike? open.substack.com/pub/rodhick/...open.substack.comLearning from the last crisisFour lessons for tackling the cost-of-living crisis arising from the war on Iran 023
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 15/03/2026Counterpoint: not every crisis is akin to the pandemic and we shouldn't normalise the overnight design of multibillion pound policy responses. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukSwinney - UK government must 'get a move on' with heating oil supportThe first minister responds to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' promise of help with rising energy costs caused by war in the Middle East 001
Reposted by Rod HickRense Nieuwenhuis @rnieuwenhuis.bsky.social · 13/03/2026Household classification, family diversity and poverty risks in Europe: Addressing a North-Western bias New paper, by @wvlancker.bsky.social, @bartovalzbeta.bsky.social, @thaning.bsky.social and myself. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...journals.sagepub.comSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher. 1163
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 26/02/2026Looking forward to speaking at 2.30pm today alongside @haylesben.bsky.social & Richard Machin about progress in tackling poverty since the 2024 UK election and the upcoming Welsh and Scottish elections. To sign up: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Thanks to @academiclee.bsky.social for organising.docs.google.comASAP UK February Seminar: Social Security and Poverty reflecting on the post General Election period and looking ahead to the Devolved Parliament elections.26th February 2026 2:30-4pm This webinar will bring together one of the ASAP UK election auditors with two academics from Wales and Scotland to discuss the current social security challenges in rela... 020
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 23/02/2026'Experts' are invited to speculate about what kind of food shock could lead to civil unrest. So they do. Then this is reported as if they claimed a riot is imminent. Very bad stuff. Ultra-high volume journal publishing is a huge threat to scientific integrity www.theguardian.com/food/2026/fe...theguardian.com‘Tinderbox’ UK may be one shock away from food riots, experts sayWeakened food security could tip into unrest after a cyber-attack, extreme weather or conflict, analysis finds 000
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Somewhat surprised to hear the BBC reporting that the cabinet are rallying around Starmer. There's no way he can limp on now, the Scottish Labour leader having just wielded the knife, just because the main challengers have decided May would be a more convenient time to dethrone him. 010
Reposted by Rod HickDuncan Weldon @duncanweldon.bsky.social · 04/02/2026I’m not sure ‘our national security developed vetting technique can be beaten if a candidate is prepared to lie’ is an especially helpful line to push. 18480108
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 02/02/2026More flat-footedness by Starmer's government. A statement overtaken by events by the time of its delivery. Conservative response much more powerful. 000
Reposted by Rod HickSam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 24/01/2026Three errors here. First, in confusing some kind of SEND classification (20%) with EHCPs (5.5%). Secondly in assuming it gives automatic right to DLA. Though there is a strong ECHP/DLA overlap. Third in assuming that those moving to DLA to PIP never work (it's not an out of work benefit). 26380164
Reposted by Rod HickDr Hayley Bennett @haylesben.bsky.social · 21/01/2026I'll be contributing to the Academics Stand Against Poverty Webinar on 26th February 2026 (2:30-4pm) discussing social security and Welsh and Scot Elections alongside Richard Machin and @rodhick.bsky.social eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.comAcademics Stand Against Poverty UK | Manifesto AuditASAP UK brings together a range of academics who have carried out a review of 9 key topics to consider the effectiveness of the public policy platforms in reducing poverty. 011
Reposted by Rod HickXiaowei Xu @xiaoweixu.bsky.social · 15/01/2026The latest USoc wave lets us split out the Covid years from what came after. So striking that they look the same! Average mental ill health (based on a general screening instrument) is no better now than during the lockdown years, at any age. @alexbryson.bsky.social @dannyblanchy.bsky.social 31111
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 17/01/2026This was, ofc, a remarkable thing to say. In the podcast, Morgan goes out of her way to draw this comparison with Drakeford, raising it more than once. What's less clear is how her growth-centric orientation really differs from Keir Starmer's policy approach. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukWelsh finance secretary never interested in economy - Eluned MorganEluned Morgan said there was a fundamental difference between her and Mark Drakeford, who handles Wales' £25bn budget. 010
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 27/11/2025Thoughts from me on yesterday's budget statement from Rachel Reeves. A day to celebrate in terms of tackling child poverty, but how credible is increasing taxation in each year of this decade and beyond? open.substack.com/pub/rodhick/...open.substack.comGood riddance to the two-child limit!Reflections on Autumn Budget 2025 030
Reposted by Rod HickRod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 26/11/2025Some reflections from me on today's Autumn Budget statement open.substack.com/pub/rodhick/...open.substack.comGood riddance to the two-child limit!Reflections on Autumn Budget 2025 032
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 26/11/2025Some reflections from me on today's Autumn Budget statement open.substack.com/pub/rodhick/...open.substack.comGood riddance to the two-child limit!Reflections on Autumn Budget 2025 032
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 26/11/2025The major announcement about the abolition of the two-child limit set up with reference to the equal worth of all children and their entitlement to an equal start in life. Remarkable that policy has cut against this for so long. An important moment. 030
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 26/11/2025Finally coming to the main tax measures now. We've had 40 mins of pretty small measures thus far #Budget2025 000
Reposted by Rod HickJamie Lewis @drjamielewis.bsky.social · 02/10/2025Andy Bartlett and I have a book coming out in November called Bigfooters and Scientific Inquiry. Combing an STS analysis with cultural sociology we hope this contributes to the burgeoning field of the sociology of mystery. Below I include a list of abstracts for the main substantive chapters 174
Reposted by Rod HickJulia Carrie Wong @joolia.bsky.social · 08/09/2025hadn’t realized how unsettling a drawing of small breasts could be 1136528
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 28/08/2025Can't be at ESPAnet this year, but following it at a remove on here. Delivered my own presentation this morning which seemed to go down pretty well. Look forward to reconnecting next year, hopefully somewhere interesting. Bucharest, anyone? 050
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 26/08/2025My goodness. The chancellor of the exchequer is longer odds to be next PM than...Andrew Tate? 010
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 18/08/2025So the other place permits and amps all manner of intolerant and repellent stuff, but at least there my timeline is boiling with anger at Israel's genocide in Gaza. Here I see more attention devoted to Gavin Newsom's latest post, instrumental variables, or G**dwin's latest observations about London. 100
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 14/08/2025Eh, what? Bertie Ahern third favourite to become Ireland's next president? 010
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 21/07/2025It's good to see the Labour government reconstitute the Pensions Commission to look into the adequacy of retirement savings but placing the triple lock outside of their remit seems like another DWP misstep, not least since the adequacy of voluntary saving depends on the value of the state pension... 110
Reposted by Rod HickFrances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/07/2025The welfare bill has passed but it’s barely the same bill. It is government by cut and paste and with such chaotic speed, many ministers will barely know what’s in it. An utter shambles for Labour - and horrific unnecessary stress and suffering for disabled and sick people watching on. 31350112
Reposted by Rod HickCraig Berry @craigpberry.bsky.social · 01/07/2025The government tried to pull off an arbitrary cut to disability benefits, reverse engineered from a savings target. There was never a coherent argument for it, and so they could never convince. The PM's morality line was particularly misguided. None of it ever connected to the substance of reforms 34520
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 01/07/2025Oh dear, oh dear. Timms strongly emphasises transitions into work in his concluding speech, but PIP is not an out-of-work benefit. 020
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 01/07/2025A lot now depends on the Timms review and government delaying legislation until after it reports implies a deference to its recommendations. Calls in the Commons to bring its reporting schedule forward, but there must also be questions about whether the review needs to be expanded. 010
Rod Hick @rodhick.bsky.social · 01/07/2025There have now been so many concessions that it must be asked what this legislation is now for. It's difficult to see how this doesn't constrain, and risk compromising, the Timms review. The stakes on that review have also raised considerably. 000