Research news and blogs

New Open University (OU) research has identified that ethnic minority mothers in the UK face significant barriers returning to work due to the triple penalty of gender, motherhood and ethnicity.

The Open University has developed new toolkits designed to support mums in their transition back into the workplace, following evidence from two Business School research projects that highlights the barriers faced by working parents. 

Dr Keely Duddin, a celebrated researcher at The Open University (OU) is at the forefront of addressing pressing issues within UK policing. Two of her current projects, which have just received funding, aim to improve well-being and inclusivity in policing, reflecting her commitment to fostering systemic change.

In the UK, early pregnancy endings are defined as pregnancies that end before 24 weeks’ gestation. Despite their frequency, these endings are still a taboo subject in the workplace, writes Professor Jo Brewis and co-authors for The Conversation.

A landmark piece of legislation has come into force, recognising pet theft as a specific crime for the first time. The Pet Abduction Act 2024 aims to address the emotional distress experienced by stolen pets and their owners.

A groundbreaking new report has been released highlighting the often-overlooked issue of early pregnancy endings as a workplace issue. 

A new report from The Open University, in collaboration with Riverford Organic Farmers and Sustain, explores how employee ownership can address the complex challenges facing the food and farming sector.

A toolkit has been designed to enhance support for maternal mental health in the workplace as a result of a research study conducted by The Open University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Greater Manchester Police Association of Women in Policing.

The Open University is proud to be part of the 5th Edition of the Chocolate Scorecard that grades chocolate companies on their sustainability and ethics.

Researchers at The Open University have been awarded £7,730,000 from Research England to create a new centre for protecting women against violence online.