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Employability, Services for Unemployed Job Seekers and the Digital Divide

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  • Colin Lindsay

    (Employment Research Institute, Napier University, Edinburgh, EH14 IDJ, Scotland, UK, c.lindsay@napier.ac.uk)

Abstract

Providing accurate and accessible labour market information is a key priority for policies targeted at improving the employability of unemployed people. In an attempt to develop the quality and reach of such services, policy-makers are increasingly turning to ICT, and particularly the Internet. However, there are concerns that the expansion of services delivered through ICT risks leaving behind the most disadvantaged. This paper investigates the current and potential role of ICT within the job-seeking activities of unemployed people in one urban labour market (the city of Glasgow). Deploying the concept of the 'digital divide' as an analytical framework, it examines differences between job seekers' access to, and use of, the Internet. The paper finds an association between higher levels of economic capital (income) and cultural capital (skills) and Internet access and job seeking. It is argued that a renewed commitment to the development of community-based technology centres and ICT training for the unemployed is required, if disadvantaged job seekers are to reap the potential employability gains associated with the expansion of on-line services.

Suggested Citation

  • Colin Lindsay, 2005. "Employability, Services for Unemployed Job Seekers and the Digital Divide," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(2), pages 325-339, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:42:y:2005:i:2:p:325-339
    DOI: 10.1080/0042098042000316173
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ronald W. McQuaid & Colin Lindsay, 2005. "The Concept of Employability," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(2), pages 197-219, February.
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    5. David Devins & Alison Darlow & Vikki Smith, 2002. "Lifelong Learning and Digital Exclusion: Lessons from the Evaluation of an ICT Learning Centre and an Emerging Research Agenda," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(8), pages 941-945.
    6. Parker, Edwin B., 2000. "Closing the digital divide in rural America," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 281-290, May.
    7. Lisa J. Servon & Marla K. Nelson, 2001. "Community Technology Centers and the Urban Technology Gap," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(2), pages 419-426, June.
    8. David H. Autor, 2001. "Wiring the Labor Market," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 15(1), pages 25-40, Winter.
    9. Andre Van der Meer & Willem Van Winden, 2003. "E-governance in Cities: A Comparison of Urban Information and Communication Technology Policies," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(4), pages 407-419.
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    1. Rasha ElSaheli-Elhage & Chantal Lakkis, 2019. "The Impact of ICT Training on Income Generation Opportunities for Vulnerable Young Adults in Lebanon," International Journal of Emerging Trends in Social Sciences, Scientific Publishing Institute, vol. 6(1), pages 19-28.

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