Britain takes a uniquely restrictive approach to occupational licensing.

Around one in five UK employees requires a licence from government to practice their chosen occupation - a proportion which has doubled in the last fifteen years.

Len Shackleton, IEA editorial fellow and author of a recent report into occupational licensing sat down with us this week to discuss the current situation.

He examines whether the government’s approach is necessary or desirable - particularly in a world of technological change, with algorithms, robotics and artificial intelligence increasingly able to perform some of the functions of the established professions.

He also takes a look at the wider state of employment and education in the UK, and assesses how Britain’s approach compares with other countries around the world.

Download Len's report 'Conspiracy Against the Public', for free here: https://iea.org.uk/publications/conspiracy-against-the-public-occupational-regulation-in-the-uk-economy/

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