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

Abigail Taylor (City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)
Anne Green (City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)
Rosie Gloster (Institute for Employment Studies, Brighton, UK)
George Bramley (City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

Article publication date: 14 June 2022

Issue publication date: 23 May 2023

101

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.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Clare Huxley, Beth Mason and Morwenna Byford for their help in conducting the interviews and MI analysis discussed in this paper.

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

Citation

Taylor, A., Green, A., Gloster, R. and Bramley, G. (2023), "Physical to virtual: challenges and opportunities for a neighbourhood-based employment support initiative", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 43 No. 5/6, pp. 491-506. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-03-2022-0086

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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