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Rewarding Responsibility? Long-Term Unemployed Men and the Welfare-to-Work Agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Kathryn Ray
  • Lesley Hoggart
  • Rebecca Taylor

    (Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, 40 Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2RT, England)

  • Sandra Vegeris

    (Policy Studies Institute, 50 Hanson Street, London W1W 6UP, England)

  • Verity Campbell-Barr

    (Faculty of Education, University of Plymouth, Rolle Building, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, England)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the responses of a group of long-term unemployed men to chronic labour market insecurity and ‘active’ labour market policies promoting individual responsibility for employability. We draw from an evaluation of a recent pilot scheme: the UK Employment Retention and Advancement Demonstration. We identify a range of responses, shaped through experiences which reflect gender, class, and age divisions. Despite significant labour market disadvantage, some of the men responded by proactively engaging with the employability agenda. Drawing on qualitative longitudinal data, we follow the trajectories of the men in work, examining how they fared in insecure, precarious labour markets. We conclude by looking at the strengths and limitations of the current policy agenda, suggesting that more creative ways need to be found to engage some of the most disadvantaged in the reskilling agenda and that employers are currently a ‘weak link’ in the package of support provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathryn Ray & Lesley Hoggart & Rebecca Taylor & Sandra Vegeris & Verity Campbell-Barr, 2009. "Rewarding Responsibility? Long-Term Unemployed Men and the Welfare-to-Work Agenda," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 27(6), pages 975-990, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:27:y:2009:i:6:p:975-990
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