Is There a Future for Special Employment Measures in the 1990s?

Abstract

Since unemployment began to rise again last year, the need for a response from government is once again being discussed. As the unemployment total rises toward 2 1/2 million and threatens to continue to rise next year, it will be repeatedly in the headlines for some time to come. One policy response to persistently high unemployment in the UK, and by governments around the world, has been the use of Special Employment Measures. It is therefore surprising that direct special measures in Britain are now at a seven year low and are facing further funding cuts of around 18 per cent in real terms during the next financial year. Here we take a look at recent developments in Special Measures in the UK, and assess the adequacy of current programmes to meet the needs of the 1990s.