The UCL Urban Laboratory and The Bartlett School of Architecture, in collaboration with the UCL Social Data Institute, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Didobi Ltd, have launched an ambitious, innovative partnership aimed at enhancing the evidence base for understanding the presence and experiences of night workers in London.
This initiative expands the scope of study beyond the traditional 'Night-Time Economy' to develop deeper understanding of urban communities and workplaces after dark. The project invites participation from individuals working between 6pm and 6am to contribute by completing surveys, focus groups and long-tables.
Supported by UCL Innovation and Enterprise and the GLA, this project comprises a cross-departmental team, led by Professor James Cheshire (UCL Social Data Institute), and including Professor Ben Campkin and Dr Alessio Kolioulis (UCL Urban Laboratory and The Bartlett School of Architecture), Dr Justin Van Dijk, Dr Igor Tkalec and Moira Hague (UCL Social Data Institute), with additional collaboration from Didobi’s Matt Baker and Matthew Hopkinson.
Voices of Nightworkers: Lived Experiences
As co-investigators for Urban Lab’s focus, Prof Campkin and Dr Kolioulis will specifically research the lived experiences of night workers in precarious sectors such as hospitality, logistics and healthcare, documenting personal narratives and journeys. The insights collected will guide the development of more inclusive policies and improve support mechanisms for London's nocturnal workforce.
Commenting on the significance of the project, Prof Campkin stated:
Our approach is to undertake ethically rigorous, in-depth qualitative research with a diversity of nightworkers in different sectors, including those operating in precarious gig economy roles in the food, hospitality and logistics sectors. Knowledge of the actual lived experiences of these overlooked and vital workers is essential to drive policy changes towards a more inclusive 24-hour city.
The project has been conceived within the wider framework of the Data After Dark initiative, which aims to provide detailed quantitative and qualitative data to generate new evidence that will influence policymaking, ensuring a more supportive environment for all who work after dark in London.
How to get involved
If you work anytime between 6pm and 6am, or you are an employer with workers who do, please complete the survey.
More information
- UCL Social Data Institute
- The Bartlett School of Architecture
- View Prof Ben Campkin’s profile
- View Dr Alessio Koliulis’s profile
- Participate in the survey
- Find out more about ‘Night spaces: migration, culture and Integration in Europe’
Image: Alex Macfarlane, The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, 2024
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