Apologies for cross-posting.
Announcing a new research report on the New Deal, available price £5
from the Debryshire Unemployed Workers' Centres, 54 Saltergate,
Chesterfield, S40 1JR, tel. 01246 231441
THE NEW DEAL IN THE CHESTERFIELD AREA
by
Dr. ANNE GRAY, SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
This report, written by a research fellow at the Local Economy Policy
Unit, presents a `claimant's eye' view of the New Deal in and
around Chesterfield, in North Derbyshire. It is based on a survey of
84 New Deal participants, interviewed by volunteers from the
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centres.
The report highlights some points which present a challenge to the
government's strategy for dealing with long-term unemployment:-
* the unsustainability of many exits into unsubsidised jobs in a
difficult local labour market which offers New Deal clients mainly
part-time, temporary or very low paid work;
* sanctions and the fear of
sanctions colour clients' relationship to the New Deal and sometimes
have perverse effects
* the poverty trap as a barrier to work,
especially for young childless people who have low wages and no
WFTC
* the unpopularity of the `benefit plus' New Deal options, and the
poor quality of the work experience which they often provide
* the need for more financial support for trainees, and extended
study periods in some cases
The study forms one part of a four-country research project on
benefits systems and welfare to work programmes, funded by the EU and
covering the UK, France, Belgium and Germany.
**All proceeds from the sale of the report will go to help a group of
unemployed workers' centres which have provided advice to hundreds of
workers made redundant from manufacturing closures in the last few
months.
Anne Gray, Research Fellow
LEPU
Tel 0171 815 7342
or messages via 7798
Fax 0171 815 7799
Office: Room 808, North Tower,
Wandsworth Road, SW82JZ
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