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Vocational Training and British Economic Performance: A Further Instalment of the `British Labour Problem'?

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  • Tony Cutler

    (Middlesex Business School at Middlesex Polytechnic)

Abstract

This paper compares two influential `explanations' of Britain's economic problems - one, the British Labour Problem, points to the attitudes of British workers and their unions as the cause of poor productivity, the other, the British Training Problem, points to the low level and poor quality of vocational training in the UK as the source of economic ills. The paper argues that, despite apparent differences, the two discourses are very similar, so much so that it is valid to see arguments about the relation of vocational training and economic performance as a new instalment of the British Labour Problem. Just as the labour problem was a bogus characterization of the causes of Britain's problems in the 1980s and led to unhelpful policies, so the current preoccupation with training promises to play an analogous role in the 1990s. The comparative research of the National Institute for Economic and Social Research, which has been important in spreading the notion of the British Training Problem, is critically scrutinized in a way which complements Nichols earlier examination of the endemic faults in the social scientific material which underpinned the British Labour Problem `explanation'. The paper ends by suggesting why urging an increase in vocational training has become such a popular policy in the 1990s

Suggested Citation

  • Tony Cutler, 1992. "Vocational Training and British Economic Performance: A Further Instalment of the `British Labour Problem'?," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 6(2), pages 161-183, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:6:y:1992:i:2:p:161-183
    DOI: 10.1177/095001709262001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daly, A. & Hitchens, D.M.W.N. & Wagner, K., 1985. "Productivity, Machinery and Skills in a Sample of British and German Manufacturing Plants," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 111, pages 48-61, February.
    2. Prais, S.J. & Wagner, Karin, 1988. "Productivity and Management: the Training of Foremen in Britain and Germany," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 123, pages 34-46, February.
    3. Prais, S.J. & Jarvis, Valerie & Wagner, Karin, 1989. "Productivity and Vocational Skills in Services in Britain and Germany: Hotels," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 130, pages 52-74, November.
    4. Jarvis, Valerie & Prais, S.J., 1989. "Two Nations of Shopkeepers: Training for Retailing in France and Britain," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 128, pages 58-74, May.
    5. Steedman, Hilary & Wagner, Karin, 1989. "Productivity, Machinery and Skills: Clothing Manufacture in Britain and Germany," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 128, pages 40-57, May.
    6. Steedman, Hilary & Wagner, Karin, 1987. "A Second Look At Productivity, Machinery and Skills in Britain and Germany," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 122, pages 84-108, November.
    7. Steedman, Hilary, 1988. "Vocational Training in France and Britain: Mechanical and Electrical Craftsmen," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 126, pages 57-70, November.
    8. Prais, S.J. & Steedman, Hilary, 1986. "Vocational Training in France and Britain: the Building Trades," National Institute Economic Review, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, vol. 116, pages 45-55, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sheila Rothwell, 1993. "Annual Review Article 1992," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 31(1), pages 135-149, March.
    2. Jason Heyes, 1996. "A Formula for Success? Training, Reward and Commitment in a Chemicals Plant," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 34(3), pages 351-369, September.

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