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Implications of technological change and austerity for employability in urban labour markets

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  • Anne E Green

Abstract

Over the last decade two key changes affecting employability, labour market operation and policy delivery are austerity and the expansion of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), especially web-based technologies. Increasingly, given pressures for cost savings and developments in ICT, employers’ recruitment and selection strategies are at least partly web-based, careers guidance and public employment services are moving towards ‘digital by default’ delivery and job seekers are expected to manage their job search activity and benefit claims electronically. So, what are the implications of austerity and technological change for employability? This article presents a critical review of the literature on ICT and its relation to, and implications for, employability in a context of austerity. A new framework for employability is presented and those aspects of employability where ICT plays a key role are highlighted. It is concluded that in the context of austerity and technological change more is demanded of individual job seekers/workers, as they are expected to take greater responsibility for their marketability in the labour market. This means that individuals’ attributes and skills are of enhanced importance in conceptualisations of employability. ICT skills have a key role to play in employability, but not at the expense of more conventional social skills which remain very important alongside digital literacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne E Green, 2017. "Implications of technological change and austerity for employability in urban labour markets," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 54(7), pages 1638-1654, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:54:y:2017:i:7:p:1638-1654
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098016631906
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ronald W. McQuaid & Colin Lindsay, 2005. "The Concept of Employability," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(2), pages 197-219, February.
    2. Tunstall, Rebecca & Lupton, Ruth & Green, Anne & Watmough, Simon & Bates, Katie, 2012. "Disadvantaged young people looking for work: a job in itself?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 47212, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Anne Green & Maria de Hoyos & Sally-Anne Barnes & David Owen & Beate Baldauf & Heike Behle, 2013. "Literature Review on Employability, Inclusion and ICT, Part 1: The Concept of employability, with a specific focus on Young people, older workers and migrants," JRC Research Reports JRC75518, Joint Research Centre.
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    8. repec:bri:cmpowp:13/334 is not listed on IDEAS
    9. Ronald W. McQuaid & Anne Green & Mike Danson, 2005. "Introducing Employability," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(2), pages 191-195, February.
    10. Anne E Green & Yuxin Li & David Owen & Maria de Hoyos, 2012. "Inequalities in Use of the Internet for Job Search: Similarities and Contrasts by Economic Status in Great Britain," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(10), pages 2344-2358, October.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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