Publications

People and the Bottom Line

Does the way people are treated at work make a difference to the performance of the organisations that employ them? Are there returns to investment in human capital in a similar way to investments in physical capital? These seem straightforward enough questions but they have generated huge amounts of debate. Against this background, this study takes into account concerns from both academics and practitioners, and provides a convincing argument that the investments firms make in their workforce make a difference.

Employment Outcomes for Women in London's Economy

This report identifies patterns of difference in equality outcomes between women working in the public and in the private sector in London, to help inform the subsequent development of policies for women in London's economy. The work consists of three strands: analysis of existing datasets to provide evidence of the relative positions of women and men in London's economy; identification of areas of inequality; and identification of examples of employer policies and practice in addressing these areas of inequality. The research also considers: whether there were any significant differences between the positions of women and men employed within the public and private sectors; differences in employment outcomes for women from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and white women; and the situation of women with disabilities within the workforce.

Activity and Learning Agreement Pilots - Programme Theory Evaluation (Working Paper 1)

Incentivising Participation in Activity Agreements

This study investigated the theory that ‘If the net additional value of the incentive was sufficiently appealing, certain young people would sign up to the Activity Agreement (AA), or at least attend an initial discussion where the wider benefits of the AA could be promoted'.

Recruitment and Training Among Large National Employers

This research aimed to inform the Learning and Skills Council's understanding of large national employers' attitudes and practices in terms of recruitment and training.

Activity and Learning Agreement Pilots - Programme Theory Evaluation (Working Paper 2)

Signing Up to a Learning Agreement

The Activity and Learning Agreements Pilots were launched in April 2006 in 12 areas of England. Activity Agreements (AA) are for 16 and 17 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET), who are offered a weekly allowance in return for committing to a plan and completing agreed activities to re-integrate them back in to learning. Learning Agreements (LA) are for 16-17 year olds in jobs with no accredited training (JWT), to support and encourage them back into learning. This study investigated the theory that ‘In LA pilot areas where there is no financial incentive, it is the support, advice and guidance provided by the Connexions worker that will be enough to ‘kick-start’ the young person’s interest in learning and induce them to sign up to a learning agreement.’

Impact of Care to Learn - Tracking the destinations of young parents funded in 2003/04

Care to Learn is a UK government initiative that provides financial support for teenage parents who want to continue in, or return to learning. It helps with the cost of their childcare and travel. As part of the national evaluation of Care to Learn, a self-completion postal survey was conducted of young parents who received Care to Learn funding during the 2003/04 academic year. The survey was conducted during the winter of 2006.