Title: Towards sustainable re-employment for low-skilled labour : new paradigms and policy options
Abstract: The OECD notes that ‘Welfare-to-Work’ active labour market policies are failing to meet the needs of low-skilled labour market re-entrants. The paper identifies reasons for this policy shortfall. The pervasive influence of the promotion of up-skilling as a panacea for labour market inequality is noted as is the impact of other economic orthodoxies on labour market programs, resulting in the rewarding of placement outcomes, not sustainable employment outcomes. Job sustainability goals are acknowledged through aligning labour re-entry opportunities with skill shortages. However, the Program does not recognise adequately the development needs of participants in environments characterised by ‘job churn’ and demand for labour market flexibility. Adherence to certain economic orthodoxies, manifest in Government labour market interventions, is preventing learning being transferred between labour market programs. Knowledge transfer could inform innovative approaches to creating employment for low-skilled labour. This principle is illustrated by identifying the heuristic value of a program for developing employment for people with disabilities through a dual focused business model. Given the increasing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility drivers and Triple Bottom Line accountability, employment and commercial sustainability for these businesses might be explored through global supply and value chains that are being constantly reengineered using alliance partnerships.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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