labour market

Social networks and employability

Report investigating social networks as a factor in labour market proximity and likelihood of gaining sustained employment. Qualitative methods were used to explore these networks and glean new knowledge of processes underpinning people's participation in employment. The principal aim of the research was to provide employability agencies with a better understanding of how to support and advise clients in a holistic manner.

Minority ethnic participation and achievements in education, training and the labour market

This full-text research report about the participation and achievements of minority ethnic pupils in the UK education system and their future employment prospects was commissioned by the Department for Education and Employment.

Divided into ten chapters, this 157-page report highlights information about the following issues: participation and attainment in compulsory education; activities of 16-19 year olds following compulsory schooling; patterns of labour market participation; skills and work-related training; lifelong learning.

Qualitative evaluation of the Jobseeker Mandatory Activity (JMA)

This report presents the findings of a qualitative evaluation of the Jobseeker Mandatory Activity (JMA) pilot. The JMA provided extra support to help Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) claimants back into the labour market.

The focus was on those aged 25 years or more that had been claiming benefits for six months. The intervention comprised a three-day work-focused course delivered by external providers followed by three Jobcentre Plus personal adviser interviews. The pilot was tested in ten areas over a two-year period with the first customers entering provision in April 2006.