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).