Title
Contents
Acknowledgements 5
The Author 6
Summary 7
1. Background and objectives 11
1.1 Introduction 11
1.2 Research objectives 11
2. Experience of Jobcentre Plus 13
2.1 Introduction 13
2.2 Respondent background 13
2.3 Experience with Jobcentre Plus 14
2.4 Experience of Jobcentre programmes and training provision 14
2.5 Barriers to work 15
2.6 Initial attitudes to training 18
3. Leitch recommendations 20
3.1 Introduction 20
3.2 Basic skills 20
3.3 Skills adviser 22
3.4 Skills progression 24
3.5 Skills Accounts 25
3.6 Summary and general observations on recommendations 27
4. Training and finance 29
4.1 Introduction 29
4.2 Training 29
4.2.1 Quality of training 29
4.2.2 Flexible features of training 30
4.2.3 Training before or during employment? 31
4.3 Financial Issues 32
4.4 Barriers to training - summary 33
5. Differences across customer types 35
5.1 Introduction 35
5.2 Age differences 35
5.3 Ethnic minority groups 37
5.4 Lone parents and carers 38
5.5 Customers with disabilities and health issues 38
6. Conclusions 40
6.1 Current experience 40
6.2 Leitch recommendations 41
Appendix A: Topic guide 43
Appendix B: Research methodology 49
Table B.1 Group structure 51
Table B.2 Breakdown of group participants 52