EUKN - United Kingdom - Phase 2 evaluation of multiple provider employment zones

Phase 2 evaluation of multiple provider employment zones

Introduction

A qualitative study of the operation and impact of the Multiple Provider Employment Zones which were introduced into six United Kingdom cities in 2004, and which brought an element of competition into the area of services and support for long-term unemployed people.

Description

The study examines the relationships and networks linking Department for Work and Pensions national officials, local Jobcentre Plus and Providers within the same labour market:

It explores how Providers respond to performance competition within the same labour market;
it looks at the relationship between the performance system and casework practices for both mandatory and voluntary clients;
and it investigates the experiences of, and outcomes from, participating in Multiple Provider Employment Zones (MPEZs).

The perceived added value of MPEZs is considered and suggestions for improvements are set out.

Background information

A Phase 1 study had taken place which looked at issues relating to the early establishment of the Multiple Provider Employment Zones (MPEZ) initiative, and this Phase 2 study focuses on tracking development in the operation of MPEZs as the initiative has become more established.

Fifteen Employment Zones were established in 2000, located in areas with high levels of unemployment and they involved the referral of long-term claimants of the Jobseeker’s Allowance to private sector providers of support and guidance. In 2004 six of these Employment Zones were converted into Multiple Provider Employment Zones (MPEZ), with more than one provider being in the market for support and guidance.

Methodology

The research involved interviews or group discussions with over 300 individuals with the aim of providing a range and depth of qualitative information.

Conclusions

There are indications that some providers are beginning to specialise in certain types of clients and that providers would not be averse to clients having a choice of provider.

The providers are finding that there is an increasing proportion of ‘hardest-to-help’ customers with problems such as:

drug or alcohol dependency,
mental or other health issues,
language and/or basic skills issues,
participation in the grey economy,
economic considerations,
or being embedded in second or third generation unemployed families and communities.

Some clients are facing difficulties beyond the 13-week period in terms of retaining work, thus creating a possible need for the Employment Zone to be more closely linked to employer training and skills initiatives. The multiple provider model does not yet seem to be stimulating innovation in service provision.

Contact info

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

Publication date

Project finished

01/11/2006

Researcher

Policy Research Institute, Leeds Metropolitan University

Article info
ISBN: 1847121128

Links

Visit the Department for Work and Pensions website

Download the "Phase 2 evaluation of multiple provider employment zones" report (PDF, Eng, 820 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Employment