Physical to virtual: challenges and opportunities for a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to explore challenges and opportunities of shifting from physical to virtual employment support delivery prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It investigates associated changes in the nature and balance of support and implications for beneficiary engagement with programmes and job search.

Design/methodology/approach: The study draws on longitudinal interviews conducted with beneficiaries and delivery providers from a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative in an English region with a strong manufacturing heritage between 2019 and 2021. The initiative established prior to the Covid-19 pandemic involved a strong physical presence locally but switched to virtual delivery during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Findings: Moving long-term to an entirely virtual model would likely benefit some beneficiaries closer to or already in employment. Conversely, others, particularly lone parents, those further from employment, some older people and those without computer/Internet access and/or digital skills are likely to struggle to navigate virtual systems. The study emphasises the importance of blending the benefits of virtual delivery with aspects of place-based physical support.

Originality/value: Previous studies of neighbourhood-based employment policies indicate the benefits of localised face-to-face support for transforming communities. These were conducted prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the more widespread growth of virtual employment support. This study fills a gap regarding understanding the challenges and opportunities for different groups of beneficiaries when opportunities for physical encounters decline abruptly and support moves virtually.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
Early online date14 Jun 2022
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 14 Jun 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding: Abigail Taylor, Anne Green and George Bramley acknowledge support from the Research England (UKRI) Development Fund, for WMREDI @ The Exchange, University of Birmingham.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Keywords

  • Virtual
  • Face-to-face
  • Employment support
  • delivery models
  • unemployment
  • neighbourhood
  • Neighbourhood
  • Delivery models
  • Unemployment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)
  • Sociology and Political Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Physical to virtual: challenges and opportunities for a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this