Learning in the Recession: implications of the recession for adult learning and skills in the English regions

This project aimed to shed light on the role of adult learning in an economic recession.  In particular it set out to:

• compare different regional and sub-regional experiences and responses;
• investigate demands, needs, challenges and responses arising from the recession in relation to a range of areas, including: skills and employability training; learning at and for work; literacy, language and numeracy; information, advice and guidance; and informal adult learning;
• identify messages to assist agencies, organisations and other stakeholders in the region in their strategic planning for recovery.

Evidence was gathered through:

• field work consisting of in-depth interviews and discussion groups with regional partners; 
• desk research to identify key policy issues and research findings.

Findings from the research will be of interest to other agencies, organisations and stakeholders by contributing to the identification of learning and skills interventions that will help to secure future recovery and meet the challenges presented to the economy, society and individuals by the recession.

The final research report, including a summary of key findings is can be downloaded here.  The research findings highlight key areas to which regional and sub-regional agencies and other organisations will want to pay attention in moving towards recovery. 

Key findings include:

• The recession has had differential impacts by region, by sector, by age, by gender, by skills levels, by existing position in the labour market, and over time.
• Despite these differential impacts, policy responses to the recession have been based chiefly on the implementation of standard, centrally developed models and programmes.
• The centralisation of responses to the recession may be preventing local and regional agencies from developing more effective and tailored approaches to addressing the situation.
• Strategic planning for recovery is also being hampered in most regions, as regional and sub-regional organisations focus on responding to immediate challenges.
• Demand for learning and skills development from individuals has increased dramatically as people seek to strengthen their labour market position. Demand for related services, in particular information, advice and guidance, has also increased sharply.
• Individuals who are furthest from the labour market and have limited recent employment experience are facing further marginalisation, as publicly funded employment services focus their efforts on those who are recently redundant and easiest to help into work.

Documents
	Learning in the Recession - report
	Learning in the Recession - report Appendix 2

The report will assist regional and sub-regional agencies and organisations by contributing to their understanding of learning and skills interventions that will help to secure future recovery and meet the challenges presented to the economy, society and individuals by the recession. 

For NIACE, the findings will inform its policy development work locally, regionally and nationally.

Dr Helen Plant
helen.plant@niace.org.uk

NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE