Page 161 - Socially-responsible-restructuring-Effective-strategies-for-supporting-redundant-workers

Socially responsible restructuring
Effective strategies for supporting redundant workers

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careers advice service (formerly learndirect) ( ), this service is no longer
required. Generally, with tailored support, adults are reasonably adept at
sourcing courses in which they might be interested.
A diverse range of training opportunities is taken-up by staff, through short,
longer courses and e-learning. Data for 2009 suggest that just under a third
(31%) of the training is in information and communications technology (ICT) and
just under a quarter (21%) in plant and machinery operation (e.g. fork-lift truck
driving) or specific trades. Other areas include customer service, design,
education, finances, health and safety, professional skills development, sales,
scientific and technical activities.

6.14.3. Impact and effects
The main impacts of effective career guidance on affected workers within R2R,
these included increasing confidence and willingness to act, raising aspirations
and ensuring realism of career plans, including knowledge of labour market
information. In the work with lower-skilled employees, it is crucial to overcome
quickly individuals’ concerns and fears and to focus on their present skills and
experience, taking stock of where they are and retraining if necessary.
Recent evaluation research has indicated high levels of satisfaction with
selected training which reflects on the advice and support provided. In 2008, the
East of England Development Agency undertook an evaluation on the
effectiveness of R2R in responding to redundancies, through beneficiary
feedback, telephone survey, questionnaires, focus group sessions and
interviews. This shows that 55.4% of beneficiaries questioned went on to full-time
employment, 8.5% to part-time employment and 5.5% to self-employment, giving
a total of just under seven in ten (69.3%) with positive employment outcomes.
Unfortunately, longer-term follow-up studies have not been undertaken although
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independent research ( ) is positive about its likely benefits and the synergy with
the Beyond 2010 initiative.

6.14.4. Innovation and effectiveness
The following factors contribute to the effectiveness of the R2R programme:
(a) it is a clear and uncomplicated offer, easy to sell in to companies and
employees;
(b) the support is available at time of notification of redundancies;

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( ) For further details see: http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/ [cited 17.5.2010].
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( ) Tepper, S.; Esser, P.; Quail, N. (2009). East of England Development Agency: beyond 2010
interim evaluation employer survey. See: www.versa.uk.com [cited 17.5.2010].

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