The report explores how to improve the employability of those with low skills for sustained employment that provides opportunity for progression.

It compares the United Kingdom's performance on employment and productivity with other countries and looks at the role of qualifications and skills.

It makes the links between skills and productivity and explores the future supply of, and demand for, skills.

The research was undertaken to study the evidence base where the two government departments’ priorities overlapped, namely in the area of people with low skills.

The aim of the research was to find out what the evidence says about how to improve employment prospects for those with low skills or no qualifications through employment and training programmes.

A review of the evidence base was carried out. The evidence base comprised published research and also internal departmental analysis.

A lack of qualifications can be a disadvantage in the labour market especially when compounded by other barriers to work.

Employment focused programmes have had more impact on initial employment chances for the low skilled and are more cost-effective than education focused programmes.

Training is still necessary to move some of the low skilled into work, however. The best improvement in earnings and productivity occurs when qualifications are gained in the workplace, but low skilled people are less likely to receive training from their employers.

The study recommends that there should be an increased emphasis for public funds on well-designed training for the low qualified who are in work, and to enable the non-employed to continue their training when they move into work.

Department for Education and Skills
Phone: +44 870 000 2288
info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

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01/09/2006

Department for Education and Skills; Department for Work and Pensions

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Skills improvement