Unemployment, wellbeing and the power of the work ethic: Implications for social policy

an article by Daniel Sage (Edge Hill University, England) published in Critical Social Policy Volume 39 Issue 2 (May 2019)

Abstract

Unemployment is associated with a range of health and social problems, such as poor physical health and well-being. Welfare state research has recently considered how social policies can ameliorate the harmful effects of unemployment.

This article argues that such policy suggestions disregard the role of the work ethic in shaping the experience of unemployment. In societies that glorify employment as a signifier of identity and status, it is unsurprising that those without employment suffer.

Previous research supports this view, showing how subscription to the work ethic is associated with wellbeing amongst unemployed people. Original analysis of the European Values Study confirms the importance of the work ethic, showing how unemployed people with weaker work ethics have significantly higher life satisfaction than those with stronger work ethics.

The article concludes that the most effective way of dealing with the deleterious effects of unemployment is to challenge the centrality of employment in contemporary societies.

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Pre-employment training for the unemployed: A case study of a call centre foundation programme

an article by Julian Clarke (Nottingham Trent University, UK) published in Local Economy Volume 29 Number 1-2 (February/March 2014)

Abstract

This paper examines a single pre-employment training programme for the unemployed.

The training aimed to prepare unemployed participants for work on the front-line of telephone call centres.

Drawing on participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the paper analyses one area in particular; the training participants received to enhance their soft skills, particularly as they relate to the concept of ‘aesthetic’ labour.

Through providing an in-depth account of the training the paper offers a critique of the programme and identifies the potential drawbacks associated with offering this form of ‘employability’ training for those who face many barriers to employment.

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Local needs and national eligibility rules: The City Strategy experience of localisation

an article by Duncan Adam and Anne Green (University of Warwick) published in Local Economy Volume 27 Number 5-6 (August/September 2012)

Abstract

Welfare to work policy in Great Britain has traditionally been planned centrally to ensure even application across areas. More recently questions have been raised about the ability of such a system to address the requirements of those workless people with the most complex and severe needs.

Accordingly, attempts have been made to enhance local decision-making and agenda-setting within welfare to work.

This article considers one such initiative in Great Britain – City Strategy – and examines the extent to which the initiative transferred powers to local partnerships and how and where the partnerships were able to exercise autonomy, and where there were constraints.

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