Research summary
Active labour market policies (ALMPs) are government interventions typically focused on moving unemployed people into work.
Employers are fundamental to ALMP outcomes – they offer the employment opportunities that job seekers are trying to access, but research has tended to ignore their views and experiences.
Our research will address this important gap. It explores employer views of ALMP and the requirements that underpin Universal Credit for people who are unemployed and workers on a low income.
It also considers how employment services such as Jobcentre Plus and other providers can work more effectively with employers, leading to better outcomes for individuals and the wider economy.
The project addresses four key questions:
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How are UK ALMPs understood and experienced by employers?
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How does ALMP affect UK businesses - including how they recruit, retain and progress their staff?
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How does the impact of ALMP on employers vary in different sectors (including retail, hospitality and social care)?
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How can the public employment service work effectively with employers, and lead to better outcomes for individuals and the wider economy?
The qualitative study included 124 interviews with employers, policymakers and other key stakeholders.
The support of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is gratefully acknowledged (Grant Ref: ES/V004093/1).