20% of people are in insecure work and many people struggle to get secure work
In 2024, we have evaluated two projects, in different areas of the UK, which offered advice and support for residents who wanted to progress in their job and career. Our work included video interviews and telephone surveys with project clients, consultations with teams of project advisors and speaking with stakeholders. The research generated insights into what councils can do to give residents the confidence to change their work situation, and ultimately to increase the number of hours they work and earn more.
There are simple ways to help people to get secure work
Projects should offer 1-2-1 advice that helps residents to identify the skills they have that are in demand locally. Effective projects help residents to update their CVs and apply for jobs online. This support needs to be made available in accessible locations that people can access around their work shifts. Advisors need to support residents throughout their job search, helping them to learn from rejections and maintain their belief.
"The positive relationship with my advisor has given me the strength to look for a new job."
“In work progression is not just about increasing earnings, it's about getting a household into a better position. And it might be that what they need is a job closer to home, or a job with fewer hours that reduces their childcare bills.”
Projects should target groups at risk of insecure work
Research shows that older workers, women, and those with health conditions find it harder to escape insecure work. Projects can prioritise these residents by offering them greater amounts of support and connecting them with adult skills training and health services. Small grants can be used to help residents meet any costs associated with moving to a new job. Projects should be aligned with efforts to get employers to offer progression opportunities to staff who don’t want to change their job.