David E. Guest, Kerstin Isaksson, and Hans De Witte (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199542697
- eISBN:
- 9780191715389
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199542697.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
Temporary employment has become a focus of policy debate, theory, and research. This book addresses the relationship between temporary employment contracts and employee well-being. It does so within ...
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Temporary employment has become a focus of policy debate, theory, and research. This book addresses the relationship between temporary employment contracts and employee well-being. It does so within the analytic framework of the psychological contract, and advances theory and knowledge about the psychological contract by exploring it from a variety of perspectives. It also sets the psychological contract within the context of a range of other potential influences on work-related well-being including workload, job insecurity, employability, and organizational support. The book identifies the relative importance of these various potential influences on well-being, covering seven countries; Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, as well as Israel as a comparator outside Europe. The book's conclusions are interesting and controversial. The central finding is that contrary to expectations, temporary workers report higher well-being than permanent workers. As expected, a range of factors help to explain variations in work-related well-being and the research highlights the important role of the psychological contract. However, even after taking into account alternative explanations, the significant influence of type of employment contract remains, with temporary workers reporting higher well-being. In addition to this core finding, by exploring several aspects of the psychological contract, and taking into account both employer and employee perspectives, the book sheds light on the nature and role of the psychological contract. It also raises some challenging policy questions and while acknowledging the potentially precarious nature of temporary jobs, highlights the need to consider the increasingly demanding nature of permanent jobs and their effects on the well-being of employees.Less
Temporary employment has become a focus of policy debate, theory, and research. This book addresses the relationship between temporary employment contracts and employee well-being. It does so within the analytic framework of the psychological contract, and advances theory and knowledge about the psychological contract by exploring it from a variety of perspectives. It also sets the psychological contract within the context of a range of other potential influences on work-related well-being including workload, job insecurity, employability, and organizational support. The book identifies the relative importance of these various potential influences on well-being, covering seven countries; Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, as well as Israel as a comparator outside Europe. The book's conclusions are interesting and controversial. The central finding is that contrary to expectations, temporary workers report higher well-being than permanent workers. As expected, a range of factors help to explain variations in work-related well-being and the research highlights the important role of the psychological contract. However, even after taking into account alternative explanations, the significant influence of type of employment contract remains, with temporary workers reporting higher well-being. In addition to this core finding, by exploring several aspects of the psychological contract, and taking into account both employer and employee perspectives, the book sheds light on the nature and role of the psychological contract. It also raises some challenging policy questions and while acknowledging the potentially precarious nature of temporary jobs, highlights the need to consider the increasingly demanding nature of permanent jobs and their effects on the well-being of employees.
David E. Guest and Michael Clinton
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199542697
- eISBN:
- 9780191715389
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199542697.003.0008
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
The full model that informs the research explores the potential impact on well‐being of a range of potential factors including forms of organizational support, employability, features of the role and ...
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The full model that informs the research explores the potential impact on well‐being of a range of potential factors including forms of organizational support, employability, features of the role and employment of choice as well as the psychological contract. This chapter draws together the data to provide a test of this full model. It shows that all these factors are significantly associated with outcomes such as well‐being, commitment and work‐related behaviour. However, when we explore their role as mediators between type of employment contract and outcomes, the results show that employment contracts often retain a significant association with well‐being and that temporary workers report more positive outcomes than permanent workers. This is contrary to our initial expectations but is a robust finding that remains after quite rigorous analysis.Less
The full model that informs the research explores the potential impact on well‐being of a range of potential factors including forms of organizational support, employability, features of the role and employment of choice as well as the psychological contract. This chapter draws together the data to provide a test of this full model. It shows that all these factors are significantly associated with outcomes such as well‐being, commitment and work‐related behaviour. However, when we explore their role as mediators between type of employment contract and outcomes, the results show that employment contracts often retain a significant association with well‐being and that temporary workers report more positive outcomes than permanent workers. This is contrary to our initial expectations but is a robust finding that remains after quite rigorous analysis.
Mick Carpenter, Belinda Freda, and Stuart Speeden (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348739
- eISBN:
- 9781447301547
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348739.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This book explores equality, discrimination, and human rights in relation to employability and ‘welfare-to-work’ policies. It draws extensively on new research from the SEQUAL Project, undertaken for ...
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This book explores equality, discrimination, and human rights in relation to employability and ‘welfare-to-work’ policies. It draws extensively on new research from the SEQUAL Project, undertaken for the European Social Fund, which investigated seven dimensions of discrimination in a labour market that is theoretically ‘open to all’. The book provides an overall analysis of policy shifts and presents a wide and distinctive range of illustrative studies that give voice to a variety of potentially marginalised groups. Chapters deal with obstacles to labour-market access around each of the following themes: gender and class; disability; race and ethnicity; geographical exclusion; sexual orientation; the problems of old and young people; and refugees. The authors draw attention to localised examples of promising practice, but also connect these to a broader ‘human rights’ agenda, linking them to changing legislative and governance frameworks. The book's scope covers the whole of Great Britain and shows how devolution in Scotland and Wales, and at the regional level in England, is creating new possibilities for mainstreaming good practice in this key area.Less
This book explores equality, discrimination, and human rights in relation to employability and ‘welfare-to-work’ policies. It draws extensively on new research from the SEQUAL Project, undertaken for the European Social Fund, which investigated seven dimensions of discrimination in a labour market that is theoretically ‘open to all’. The book provides an overall analysis of policy shifts and presents a wide and distinctive range of illustrative studies that give voice to a variety of potentially marginalised groups. Chapters deal with obstacles to labour-market access around each of the following themes: gender and class; disability; race and ethnicity; geographical exclusion; sexual orientation; the problems of old and young people; and refugees. The authors draw attention to localised examples of promising practice, but also connect these to a broader ‘human rights’ agenda, linking them to changing legislative and governance frameworks. The book's scope covers the whole of Great Britain and shows how devolution in Scotland and Wales, and at the regional level in England, is creating new possibilities for mainstreaming good practice in this key area.
Phillip Brown, Anthony Hesketh, and Sarah Williams
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199269532
- eISBN:
- 9780191699412
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269532.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR, Political Economy
The challenge confronting governments around the world today is to enhance the employability of the workforce. Every effort must be made to expand access to higher education, disregard social ...
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The challenge confronting governments around the world today is to enhance the employability of the workforce. Every effort must be made to expand access to higher education, disregard social circumstances, gender, and other such barriers to talent, and to harness human creativity and enterprise to meet the demands of the new economy. However, people who have attained higher education are having trouble finding jobs, with rising stakes for the winners and losers. This book examines what determines the outcome of this race when a degree loses its badge of distinction. It shows how some graduates are playing ‘the game’ to win a competitive advantage, and what really happens in the selection events of leading-edge employers. It also argues that talent is being mismanaged by employers that have yet to come to terms with the realities and possibilities of mass higher education.Less
The challenge confronting governments around the world today is to enhance the employability of the workforce. Every effort must be made to expand access to higher education, disregard social circumstances, gender, and other such barriers to talent, and to harness human creativity and enterprise to meet the demands of the new economy. However, people who have attained higher education are having trouble finding jobs, with rising stakes for the winners and losers. This book examines what determines the outcome of this race when a degree loses its badge of distinction. It shows how some graduates are playing ‘the game’ to win a competitive advantage, and what really happens in the selection events of leading-edge employers. It also argues that talent is being mismanaged by employers that have yet to come to terms with the realities and possibilities of mass higher education.
Phillip Brown, Anthony Hesketh, and Sara Williams
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199269532
- eISBN:
- 9780191699412
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269532.003.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR, Political Economy
The shift from an industrial economy to a knowledge-based economy gives rise to the value of intelligence and talent as employers focus on diversifying their talent pools. Governments around the ...
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The shift from an industrial economy to a knowledge-based economy gives rise to the value of intelligence and talent as employers focus on diversifying their talent pools. Governments around the world find ways to enhance the employability of their workforces by expanding access to higher education, disregarding social barriers, utilizing human creativity and enterprise, and other such measures. The challenge is not the limited supply of managerial and professional jobs, but the assurance that the workforce has access to high-waged jobs that require high skills. The socially disadvantaged are now preparing for opportunities for high skilled employment, but without a guarantee. In analysing this ‘promise’, the study makes use of interviews with six organizations from both the public and private sectors to obtain information regarding their competitive strategies, human resources, and recruitment processes. Also, sixty graduates are interviewed and their recruitment into these organizations is observed.Less
The shift from an industrial economy to a knowledge-based economy gives rise to the value of intelligence and talent as employers focus on diversifying their talent pools. Governments around the world find ways to enhance the employability of their workforces by expanding access to higher education, disregarding social barriers, utilizing human creativity and enterprise, and other such measures. The challenge is not the limited supply of managerial and professional jobs, but the assurance that the workforce has access to high-waged jobs that require high skills. The socially disadvantaged are now preparing for opportunities for high skilled employment, but without a guarantee. In analysing this ‘promise’, the study makes use of interviews with six organizations from both the public and private sectors to obtain information regarding their competitive strategies, human resources, and recruitment processes. Also, sixty graduates are interviewed and their recruitment into these organizations is observed.
Phillip Brown, Anthony Hesketh, and Sara Williams
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199269532
- eISBN:
- 9780191699412
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269532.003.0005
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR, Political Economy
Because the stakes in managerial labour markets in the new knowledge-based economy (KBE) are high, there seems to be a shift from looking at the hard currencies of employability like certificates, ...
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Because the stakes in managerial labour markets in the new knowledge-based economy (KBE) are high, there seems to be a shift from looking at the hard currencies of employability like certificates, awards, and the like, to analysing the soft currencies like the skills, capabilities, and performance of individuals. Potential employees have to be more than smart and well-qualified but they also have to be innovative, creative, and critical problem-solvers. Employability now has become stylized and becomes open to a certain level of subjectivity. This chapter looks into the science of gut feeling as a method of recruitment by examining how employers' justify their hiring decisions.Less
Because the stakes in managerial labour markets in the new knowledge-based economy (KBE) are high, there seems to be a shift from looking at the hard currencies of employability like certificates, awards, and the like, to analysing the soft currencies like the skills, capabilities, and performance of individuals. Potential employees have to be more than smart and well-qualified but they also have to be innovative, creative, and critical problem-solvers. Employability now has become stylized and becomes open to a certain level of subjectivity. This chapter looks into the science of gut feeling as a method of recruitment by examining how employers' justify their hiring decisions.
Phillip Brown, Anthony Hesketh, and Sara Williams
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199269532
- eISBN:
- 9780191699412
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269532.003.0006
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR, Political Economy
People invest in university education in the hope that, once they graduate, they will be able to find high-paying managerial and professional jobs. Also, these graduates have to view their careers as ...
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People invest in university education in the hope that, once they graduate, they will be able to find high-paying managerial and professional jobs. Also, these graduates have to view their careers as a portfolio of jobs rather than having a permanent job. This chapter concentrates first on the expectations of graduates and their perspectives on the job market and identifies the factors, such as higher education, race, and ethnicity, which could possibly contribute to success in work. Secondly, the chapter explores the employability strategies that university graduates use to land jobs by conducting interviews with a sample set of graduates. The study distinguishes and compares the approaches of the two ‘ideal types’ — the ‘Players’ and the ‘Purists’ — and shows how the latter approaches the labour market aggressively while the latter uses a more conservative approach.Less
People invest in university education in the hope that, once they graduate, they will be able to find high-paying managerial and professional jobs. Also, these graduates have to view their careers as a portfolio of jobs rather than having a permanent job. This chapter concentrates first on the expectations of graduates and their perspectives on the job market and identifies the factors, such as higher education, race, and ethnicity, which could possibly contribute to success in work. Secondly, the chapter explores the employability strategies that university graduates use to land jobs by conducting interviews with a sample set of graduates. The study distinguishes and compares the approaches of the two ‘ideal types’ — the ‘Players’ and the ‘Purists’ — and shows how the latter approaches the labour market aggressively while the latter uses a more conservative approach.
Phillip Brown, Anthony Hesketh, and Sara Williams
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199269532
- eISBN:
- 9780191699412
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269532.003.0009
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR, Political Economy
Despite the efforts of individuals to attain higher education and the increasing demand for knowledge workers in the new economy, there are not enough high skilled and high wage jobs to accommodate ...
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Despite the efforts of individuals to attain higher education and the increasing demand for knowledge workers in the new economy, there are not enough high skilled and high wage jobs to accommodate those who are qualified for such positions. Because of changing market conditions, there is no guarantee that all highly qualified graduates will be able to land a regular job that will best suit their abilities. In such cases, and with the advent of globalisation and migration, mass higher education will only contribute to costs and industrial competitiveness rather than becoming part of the solution to a much broader problem. Success in the job market is thus based not only on one's hard and soft currencies but also on the employability of others.Less
Despite the efforts of individuals to attain higher education and the increasing demand for knowledge workers in the new economy, there are not enough high skilled and high wage jobs to accommodate those who are qualified for such positions. Because of changing market conditions, there is no guarantee that all highly qualified graduates will be able to land a regular job that will best suit their abilities. In such cases, and with the advent of globalisation and migration, mass higher education will only contribute to costs and industrial competitiveness rather than becoming part of the solution to a much broader problem. Success in the job market is thus based not only on one's hard and soft currencies but also on the employability of others.
Mark Freedland, Paul Craig, Catherine Jacqueson, and Nicola Kountouris
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199233489
- eISBN:
- 9780191716324
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199233489.003.0010
- Subject:
- Law, EU Law, Employment Law
This chapter argues that the State is no longer seen as a provider of employment, but rather as a provider of ‘employability’ directly focusing on the unemployed (rather than on the labour market or ...
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This chapter argues that the State is no longer seen as a provider of employment, but rather as a provider of ‘employability’ directly focusing on the unemployed (rather than on the labour market or the economy). One can observe a series of emerging trends in the delivery of ‘employability’ measures, and in particular the growing individualization, personalization, and contractualization of these employability ‘services’. These trends raise a number of problematic points (Are these real contracts? Are they illiberal contracts or unequal contracts? What should be the limits to administrative discretion in this sensitive area? What is the nature of the multilateral contracts including private contractors?), which are addressed in separate points.Less
This chapter argues that the State is no longer seen as a provider of employment, but rather as a provider of ‘employability’ directly focusing on the unemployed (rather than on the labour market or the economy). One can observe a series of emerging trends in the delivery of ‘employability’ measures, and in particular the growing individualization, personalization, and contractualization of these employability ‘services’. These trends raise a number of problematic points (Are these real contracts? Are they illiberal contracts or unequal contracts? What should be the limits to administrative discretion in this sensitive area? What is the nature of the multilateral contracts including private contractors?), which are addressed in separate points.
Chris Grover and Linda Piggott (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447318323
- eISBN:
- 9781447318347
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447318323.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Occupations, Professions, and Work
This book focuses on policies, primarily in the United Kingdom, which are designed to facilitate the participation of disabled people in wage work. The book takes a critical approach to these ...
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This book focuses on policies, primarily in the United Kingdom, which are designed to facilitate the participation of disabled people in wage work. The book takes a critical approach to these policies by examining three main issues. First, the way in which eligibility rules and assessment procedures increasingly mean disabled people have responsibility for their own financial support as the legitimacy of their benefit receipt is questioned. Second, the book examines policies that are supposed to support disabled people into paid work. Problems with the supply side focus of policies upon employability are highlighted, as are those associated with demand side interventions in labour markets where the fear is that disabled workers will be less productive than other workers. The market-based nature of provision to ‘support’ people into wage work is highlighted as being particularly disadvantageous to disabled people. Third, the book examines the nature of ‘work’ in the agenda to get more disabled people into paid employment. It questions the narrow definition of work and productivity that frame policies, and which pose a challenge to disabled people as they are based on norms of productive capacity to which they are often unable to conform. Alternative ways of understanding and valuing the contribution that disabled people make are considered. The book argues that the focus upon increasing the participation of disabled people in wage work is problematic for the core demands of the disabled people movement, is counter to the social model of disability and means many disabled people face an increasingly precarious financial future.Less
This book focuses on policies, primarily in the United Kingdom, which are designed to facilitate the participation of disabled people in wage work. The book takes a critical approach to these policies by examining three main issues. First, the way in which eligibility rules and assessment procedures increasingly mean disabled people have responsibility for their own financial support as the legitimacy of their benefit receipt is questioned. Second, the book examines policies that are supposed to support disabled people into paid work. Problems with the supply side focus of policies upon employability are highlighted, as are those associated with demand side interventions in labour markets where the fear is that disabled workers will be less productive than other workers. The market-based nature of provision to ‘support’ people into wage work is highlighted as being particularly disadvantageous to disabled people. Third, the book examines the nature of ‘work’ in the agenda to get more disabled people into paid employment. It questions the narrow definition of work and productivity that frame policies, and which pose a challenge to disabled people as they are based on norms of productive capacity to which they are often unable to conform. Alternative ways of understanding and valuing the contribution that disabled people make are considered. The book argues that the focus upon increasing the participation of disabled people in wage work is problematic for the core demands of the disabled people movement, is counter to the social model of disability and means many disabled people face an increasingly precarious financial future.
Mara A. Yerkes
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847429636
- eISBN:
- 9781447304081
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847429636.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
This chapter shows that, in the Dutch case, protection of a new social risk – insufficient employability – is possible even without the creation of collective welfare-state protection, namely through ...
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This chapter shows that, in the Dutch case, protection of a new social risk – insufficient employability – is possible even without the creation of collective welfare-state protection, namely through collective bargaining. It describes four major developments in employability policy in the Netherlands. Each of these developments is looked at in turn, considering what theoretical questions are raised by these developments and how they can be explained. The concluding section relates these developments to the previous cases of disability and childcare protection.Less
This chapter shows that, in the Dutch case, protection of a new social risk – insufficient employability – is possible even without the creation of collective welfare-state protection, namely through collective bargaining. It describes four major developments in employability policy in the Netherlands. Each of these developments is looked at in turn, considering what theoretical questions are raised by these developments and how they can be explained. The concluding section relates these developments to the previous cases of disability and childcare protection.
Jorma Rantanen
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195380002
- eISBN:
- 9780199893881
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195380002.003.0030
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
Occupational health and safety is seen in many ways: an investment, protection for workers and their families, a cost to the employer, an ethical responsibility, a public health measure, a human ...
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Occupational health and safety is seen in many ways: an investment, protection for workers and their families, a cost to the employer, an ethical responsibility, a public health measure, a human right and a social good, and a necessity of “corporate responsibility”. Occupational health services are best viewed as an investment in the foundation of society, not as a benefit to workers or a luxury. Preventing disability due to occupational disorders removes a major cause of suffering, economic insecurity and lost economic productivity. Occupational health faces many challenges in coming years to provide services for everyone in an economic system, including mobile workers, workers in fragmented workplaces, in small- and medium-sized enterprises, and in the informal sectors and workers who are self-employed and other underserved groups. Occupational health must work to expand the content of services to cover psychological and psychosocial aspects of work and to develop the connection between occupational health and work ability in order to achieve better employability and expanded opportunity. Occupational health should be a basic right of working citizens, as recognized by international organizations and the constitutions of most democratic states.Less
Occupational health and safety is seen in many ways: an investment, protection for workers and their families, a cost to the employer, an ethical responsibility, a public health measure, a human right and a social good, and a necessity of “corporate responsibility”. Occupational health services are best viewed as an investment in the foundation of society, not as a benefit to workers or a luxury. Preventing disability due to occupational disorders removes a major cause of suffering, economic insecurity and lost economic productivity. Occupational health faces many challenges in coming years to provide services for everyone in an economic system, including mobile workers, workers in fragmented workplaces, in small- and medium-sized enterprises, and in the informal sectors and workers who are self-employed and other underserved groups. Occupational health must work to expand the content of services to cover psychological and psychosocial aspects of work and to develop the connection between occupational health and work ability in order to achieve better employability and expanded opportunity. Occupational health should be a basic right of working citizens, as recognized by international organizations and the constitutions of most democratic states.
Mick Carpenter, Stuart Speeden, and Belinda Freda
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348739
- eISBN:
- 9781447301547
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348739.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This introductory chapter discusses the possibility of a shifting from the current trend in the United Kingdom to a more disciplinary ‘workfare state’. The first section is on the development of a ...
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This introductory chapter discusses the possibility of a shifting from the current trend in the United Kingdom to a more disciplinary ‘workfare state’. The first section is on the development of a bottom-up approach to evidence-based policy making, followed by a discussion on the background of the research and critique of main employability-based approaches. The SEQUAL research, which was funded by the European Union EQUAL Programme, is introduced. The chapter also includes a brief discussion of the basic structure of the book.Less
This introductory chapter discusses the possibility of a shifting from the current trend in the United Kingdom to a more disciplinary ‘workfare state’. The first section is on the development of a bottom-up approach to evidence-based policy making, followed by a discussion on the background of the research and critique of main employability-based approaches. The SEQUAL research, which was funded by the European Union EQUAL Programme, is introduced. The chapter also includes a brief discussion of the basic structure of the book.
Pamela Clayton
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861348739
- eISBN:
- 9781447301547
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861348739.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This chapter discusses the employability issues that affect older people in the Glasgow labour market. It focuses on equality issues that are related to age, and highlights the significance of age ...
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This chapter discusses the employability issues that affect older people in the Glasgow labour market. It focuses on equality issues that are related to age, and highlights the significance of age discrimination in the context of it often being considered socially less important than racism or other forms of oppression. The chapter then reviews the recent trends in discrimination and human rights policies, along with their benefits and limitations for older people.Less
This chapter discusses the employability issues that affect older people in the Glasgow labour market. It focuses on equality issues that are related to age, and highlights the significance of age discrimination in the context of it often being considered socially less important than racism or other forms of oppression. The chapter then reviews the recent trends in discrimination and human rights policies, along with their benefits and limitations for older people.
Jean-Michel Bonvin and Nicolas Farvaque
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861347978
- eISBN:
- 9781447302735
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861347978.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
This chapter is concerned with the evaluative function of local agencies in the activation of services provision. It pays special attention to the type of information that is considered relevant and ...
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This chapter is concerned with the evaluative function of local agencies in the activation of services provision. It pays special attention to the type of information that is considered relevant and taken into account whenever decisions on the nature of activation interventions are made. This type of information is usually referred to as the so-called ‘informational basis of judgment in justice’. The chapter also compares the employability approach and the capability approach, in order to determine the implications on the selection of informational bases.Less
This chapter is concerned with the evaluative function of local agencies in the activation of services provision. It pays special attention to the type of information that is considered relevant and taken into account whenever decisions on the nature of activation interventions are made. This type of information is usually referred to as the so-called ‘informational basis of judgment in justice’. The chapter also compares the employability approach and the capability approach, in order to determine the implications on the selection of informational bases.
Lindsay Colin
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847427113
- eISBN:
- 9781447303497
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847427113.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This chapter provides an insightful appraisal of New Labour's ‘Work First’ supply-side approach to unemployment policy in new circumstances. It reconnects with earlier work by Adrian Sinfield, from a ...
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This chapter provides an insightful appraisal of New Labour's ‘Work First’ supply-side approach to unemployment policy in new circumstances. It reconnects with earlier work by Adrian Sinfield, from a previous period of mass unemployment, to ‘recognize more fully what unemployment means’ both for those who directly experience it and for society as a whole. It reviews in detail how the concept of ‘employability’ has been interpreted and put into practice by New Labour, revealing in the process the inadequacy of this approach, especially in a period when mass unemployment requires analysis and action on its demand-side aspects. It offers an analytical framework that allows us to recognise and make sense of the full range of factors that affect the ability of individuals to access meaningful employment.Less
This chapter provides an insightful appraisal of New Labour's ‘Work First’ supply-side approach to unemployment policy in new circumstances. It reconnects with earlier work by Adrian Sinfield, from a previous period of mass unemployment, to ‘recognize more fully what unemployment means’ both for those who directly experience it and for society as a whole. It reviews in detail how the concept of ‘employability’ has been interpreted and put into practice by New Labour, revealing in the process the inadequacy of this approach, especially in a period when mass unemployment requires analysis and action on its demand-side aspects. It offers an analytical framework that allows us to recognise and make sense of the full range of factors that affect the ability of individuals to access meaningful employment.
Gary Craig, Hans Dietrich, and Jerome Gautié
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861345882
- eISBN:
- 9781447304371
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861345882.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Marriage and the Family
This chapter evaluates the process of entry into the labour market for young people of divergent ethnicities in three countries – the UK, France, and Germany – with various traditions, legal ...
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This chapter evaluates the process of entry into the labour market for young people of divergent ethnicities in three countries – the UK, France, and Germany – with various traditions, legal frameworks, and understandings of citizenship. It notes that discrimination based on ethnic origin and skin colour is widespread in national labour markets throughout Europe and structures: the opportunities which young people have as they leave school; the choices open to them in education, employment, and training; and qualifications and career prospects. The chapter examines ways in which young people's experience as they enter the labour market is moulded by their ethnicity. It demonstrates how issues of employability, ethnicity, and citizenship for young people interact in these three countries. Lastly, the chapter raises vital research and policy questions for these countries in particular, but also for the European Union as a whole.Less
This chapter evaluates the process of entry into the labour market for young people of divergent ethnicities in three countries – the UK, France, and Germany – with various traditions, legal frameworks, and understandings of citizenship. It notes that discrimination based on ethnic origin and skin colour is widespread in national labour markets throughout Europe and structures: the opportunities which young people have as they leave school; the choices open to them in education, employment, and training; and qualifications and career prospects. The chapter examines ways in which young people's experience as they enter the labour market is moulded by their ethnicity. It demonstrates how issues of employability, ethnicity, and citizenship for young people interact in these three countries. Lastly, the chapter raises vital research and policy questions for these countries in particular, but also for the European Union as a whole.
Sophie Bowlby, Sally Lloyd Evans, and Clare Roche
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861344458
- eISBN:
- 9781447301868
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861344458.003.0018
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter explores the school–work transitions of young men and women from different ethnic and class backgrounds in the two prosperous towns of Reading and Slough in England at the end of the ...
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This chapter explores the school–work transitions of young men and women from different ethnic and class backgrounds in the two prosperous towns of Reading and Slough in England at the end of the 1990s. It examines how young people's ideas of their own racialised and gendered identities affect their labour-market behaviour, and how racialised and gendered ideas held by employers about young people influence their employability. The chapter describes the interconnected phases in the transition from school to paid work that most young people pass through between sixteen and twenty-five years of age.Less
This chapter explores the school–work transitions of young men and women from different ethnic and class backgrounds in the two prosperous towns of Reading and Slough in England at the end of the 1990s. It examines how young people's ideas of their own racialised and gendered identities affect their labour-market behaviour, and how racialised and gendered ideas held by employers about young people influence their employability. The chapter describes the interconnected phases in the transition from school to paid work that most young people pass through between sixteen and twenty-five years of age.
Mike Danson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847424181
- eISBN:
- 9781447303800
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847424181.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
The number of people who are fit and able to work is important in the determination of the supply of labour to an economy. In determining this ‘working population’ there are several factors that ...
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The number of people who are fit and able to work is important in the determination of the supply of labour to an economy. In determining this ‘working population’ there are several factors that needed to be considered such as the age structure and health of people in the economy. With the rise of joblessness of those of ‘working age’ and especially among those over fifty, has come an interest in the matters of ‘employability’ and the perceived reasons for higher rates of economic inactivity among older workers. This chapter addresses the demographic aspects behind these employability debates. It focuses initially on Scotland and demonstrates that many of its specific problems are replicated elsewhere. The chapter argues that the lessons learned in Scotland should be of wider application and concern, as similar challenges are being faced in most economies across the world.Less
The number of people who are fit and able to work is important in the determination of the supply of labour to an economy. In determining this ‘working population’ there are several factors that needed to be considered such as the age structure and health of people in the economy. With the rise of joblessness of those of ‘working age’ and especially among those over fifty, has come an interest in the matters of ‘employability’ and the perceived reasons for higher rates of economic inactivity among older workers. This chapter addresses the demographic aspects behind these employability debates. It focuses initially on Scotland and demonstrates that many of its specific problems are replicated elsewhere. The chapter argues that the lessons learned in Scotland should be of wider application and concern, as similar challenges are being faced in most economies across the world.
Tony Maltby
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847424181
- eISBN:
- 9781447303800
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847424181.003.0010
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
The everyday, localised experiences and perceptions of older people in accessing paid work, and their retention and progression in employment, are under-researched and undocumented. Often studies ...
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The everyday, localised experiences and perceptions of older people in accessing paid work, and their retention and progression in employment, are under-researched and undocumented. Often studies concentrate on the implementation of policy at the national level and at the level of the firm. This chapter provides a different perspective as it reports on a participatory and empowering qualitative ‘action research’ project conducted and funded as a part of the Equal Community Initiative's Forward Development Partnership, which was based and focused on two communities in England. The Development aimed to consider the issues of access, retention and progression in employment. It also offered practical localised policy implementation and research evidence to improve the employability of people with disabilities, those needing ‘basic skills’ and ‘older workers’. In the context of the research on the older workers, the main concern is ‘what works’, a list of policy initiatives based on the key findings of the research, and the aim was to improve the employability of this age group. The research showed that a continuing institutional age discrimination by employers, limited accommodation of health problems, and unsatisfactory training provision were limiting factors affecting access, retention and progression of older workers. This chapter hence, builds on this evidence to suggest that better progress might be achieved at the national level through the application of the more holistic work ability approach. This has the aim of enhancing productivity and promoting the sustainability of the workforce. In addition, the chapter also offers a review of the salient policy-focused issues followed by a detailed report on the Equal-funded research, its methodology and findings. The chapter ends with suggestions for a more proactive and holistic approach to policy implementations.Less
The everyday, localised experiences and perceptions of older people in accessing paid work, and their retention and progression in employment, are under-researched and undocumented. Often studies concentrate on the implementation of policy at the national level and at the level of the firm. This chapter provides a different perspective as it reports on a participatory and empowering qualitative ‘action research’ project conducted and funded as a part of the Equal Community Initiative's Forward Development Partnership, which was based and focused on two communities in England. The Development aimed to consider the issues of access, retention and progression in employment. It also offered practical localised policy implementation and research evidence to improve the employability of people with disabilities, those needing ‘basic skills’ and ‘older workers’. In the context of the research on the older workers, the main concern is ‘what works’, a list of policy initiatives based on the key findings of the research, and the aim was to improve the employability of this age group. The research showed that a continuing institutional age discrimination by employers, limited accommodation of health problems, and unsatisfactory training provision were limiting factors affecting access, retention and progression of older workers. This chapter hence, builds on this evidence to suggest that better progress might be achieved at the national level through the application of the more holistic work ability approach. This has the aim of enhancing productivity and promoting the sustainability of the workforce. In addition, the chapter also offers a review of the salient policy-focused issues followed by a detailed report on the Equal-funded research, its methodology and findings. The chapter ends with suggestions for a more proactive and holistic approach to policy implementations.
