Housing, workforce stability and public service resilience: the role of housing affordability in key worker recruitment, retention and wellbeing (HHS-2026-12)

Housing affordability and availability are increasingly recognised as critical challenges shaping the sustainability of essential public services in the UK. Rising housing costs, constrained supply and changing local housing markets are making it more difficult for key workers in healthcare, fire and rescue, policing and social care to live near their place of work. These pressures are particularly acute in contexts where operational requirements demand geographic proximity such as emergency services that rely on retained or on-call staffing models.

This PhD project will investigate how housing markets and the operational geographies of public services interact to influence workforce recruitment, retention, productivity and wellbeing. The research will examine how housing pressures affect key workers’ ability to access suitable accommodation, the implications for commuting, job satisfaction, work-life balance and the wider consequences for service delivery and local resilience.

The project will adopt a mixed-methods approach that will combine analysis of housing and workforce data with qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of key workers across different sectors. There will be opportunities to engage with policy stakeholders, public service organisations and housing providers to ensure strong real-world relevance.

The successful candidate will contribute to an emerging and highly policy-relevant field at the intersection of housing, public health and labour markets. The research has the potential to inform national and local policy debates on workforce shortages, housing provision and service sustainability while contributing to academic debates on housing as a key determinant of health and wellbeing.

This project is well suited to applicants with interests in housing, public policy, social inequalities, public health or urban studies and offers opportunities to develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: d.newton@hud.ac.uk

How to Apply

You must submit your application in full by Friday 19th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 29th June 2026).
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
• Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email

Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.

Location: Huddersfield/Online

Funding: Fee waiver

Duration: 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time