Dr. Thomas Hastings joined the Saïd Business School in November 2010 as a Research Associate working on a joint project, split between the Oxford Institute of Retail Management (OXIRM) and the Association of Convenience Stores (ASC) based in Farnborough.  His research specifically explores the social, economic and environmental role that local (convenience) stores play in the communities they serve. 

Thomas has a background in economic geography, and previously completed an MA in Geography at the University of Aberdeen (2004),  which he followed up with a Masters in Human Geography Research at the University of Sheffield (2006).  Most recently he completed his research training with a PhD in the the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow (2010).  His doctoral thesis engaged with current theoretical debates in Labour Geography, and in particular sought to delineate nuanced understandings of worker agency in the Glasgow labour market through an exploration of call centre work. 

In OXIRM, Thomas’ research intends to build on this experience by exploring the social and economic impacts of convenience retail capital within a variety of different labour market forms, ranging from the rural village to urban spaces facing social deprivation.