Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Link Seminar Series
What is Link?
Presented by DWP in collaboration with the Universities of Leeds, Loughborough, Sheffield and York, LINK is a webinar series designed to help build richer connections between the academic, policy and analytical worlds by providing an opportunity to hear from both leading Social Scientists at the University of Leeds and other universities as well as prominent analysts, strategists and policy makers from the Department for Work and Pensions.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to participate in upcoming sessions of the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Link Seminar Series, please submit a working title and abstract to katie.heffron@york.ac.uk for consideration. Seminars are hosted monthly for one hour, between October and June. Find out more here LINK seminar series flyer (PDF 
, 78kb)
Upcoming sessions for 2024-25
November
November's event will be held on Tuesday 19th November 2024 between 12 and 1, with Dr Fikret Bilenkisi from the University of Huddersfield, Dr Filippos Maraziotis from the University of York and Dr Akif Yardimci from the University of Edinburgh. More information below:
Title: To be (worried) or not to be? An empirical analysis on minimum wage and inflation during the post-COVID era
Abstract: Employing a novel dynamic event study framework that accounts for intertemporal and continuous treatment, and heterogeneous effects, while leveraging quasi-stayers, we examine the causal impact of post-pandemic minimum wage increases on inflation across OECD countries. A 10% minimum wage increase results in a marginal, statistically significant pass-through to CPI inflation, peaking at 0.87% in the second month and dissipating by month eight, with an average cumulative effect of 1.5\% over three quarters. The impact on food inflation is more pronounced and persistent, while the response is forward-looking. Minimal spillover to overall wage growth is observed, with only a transient increase in month two and no significant cumulative effect. Unit profit increases negligibly but significantly post-implementation, suggesting higher labor costs are not absorbed via reduced profit margins. Our findings indicate that carefully calibrated minimum wage increases can enhance low-wage workers' earnings without causing substantial or persistent inflationary effects.
Contact katie.heffron@york.ac.uk to be added to the event.