Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist and broadcaster and formerly the BBC's social affairs editor. Her previous books include the acclaimed Hard Work, based on her personal experience of low-paid work. She has won National Press Awards and has been What the Papers Say columnist of the year.

David Walker edits Public, the Guardian's new monthly magazine for senior executives and was formerly chief leader writer of the Independent. He is a regular presenter of BBC Radio Four's Analysis programme and a trustee of the National Centre for Social Research.