Our approach

Our approach to research

Good research can add huge value to policy and public debate. Whether it is by analysing national statistics to reveal systemic inequalities, giving voice to under-represented groups, or putting government policies into perspective.

Work Rights Centre researchers are committed to ensuring that our publications are:

• Robust. We use high-quality data sources and transparent methodologies, and welcome critical peer review.
• Grounded in lived experience. We involve charity beneficiaries in every way possible, and cover their stories with nuance and respect.
• Accessible. We write for everyone, from journalists and policy professionals, to regular members of the public with a real interest in migration and employment justice.

Our approach to policy influencing

Our policy team works with ministers, MPs, civil servants and people with the power to influence government to raise awareness of the issues affecting migrants and vulnerable workers, and take the steps to address them.

Policy influencing can be a slow-moving ship, but with good evidence, allies, and determination, systemic change is possible. Our policy team is committed to ensuring that our work is:

• Evidence-based. We formulate recommendations carefully, based on research and after extensive consultation.
• Independent. We do not support or endorse any political party or candidate. We brief politicians and communicate about political decisions that affect our beneficiaries, but we do not endorse any specific political party, candidate or agenda.
• Grounded in lived experience. We involve charity beneficiaries in every way possible, and cover their stories with nuance and respect.
• Collaborative. We know that the strongest campaigns are won in coalition, so we work closely with allies across the third sector.

Our approach to strategic litigation

Strategic litigation can take many forms. In some cases, it is about challenging the legality of a government decision which affects thousands of people. In others, it is about making a powerful new legal argument that could set a precedent for future claims. 

We adopt a collaborative approach in our strategic legal work, because no one ever wins alone.

Depending on each case, we may:

• Provide witness statements in claims brought by our allies, using our frontline evidence and expertise to strengthen their case.
• Support under-represented clients to bring cases in the employment and immigration tribunals, working with counsel to secure the best possible representation.
• Act as the primary claimant in ambitious judicial review claims, with the help of public lawyers and counsel specialised in public law.