The North East has the highest proportion of workless households of any UK region - households where all residents of working age are either unemployed or economically inactive.  Worklessness is separate from unemployment in that rather than comprising of only those on Jobseekers’ Allowance, it includes those who are out of the labour market completely.  Worklessness is what may have previously been termed chronic or persistent unemployment, and could come about through a variety of factors, but research has shown that many people considered workless are keen to work, if given the right opportunities and incentives. 

When addressing these problems it is worthwhile considering the groupings of ‘unemployed’ or ‘workless’ and the different types of support each group may need.  For some, worklessness is a transitory stage – they may have the skills required to enter employment without much support.  On the other hand, a variety of barriers to work may be present, with many individuals experiencing multiple barriers.  Language and communication skills, a lack of motivation and self esteem, timekeeping, attendance or practical skills like filling in forms or managing money can all be barriers people face.  Workless people may be tied down with care commitments, mental health issues or disability, they may be lone parents, or they simply might not know where or how to get advice.

A combination of tailored methods is seen as key to addressing worklessness.  Locating support agencies close to the community they assist is important, as travel issues are commonly associated with worklessness.  Outreach is central – the process whereby people who wouldn’t otherwise participate are encouraged into development and education schemes.  The aim is personal advancement and improved employability, as well as possible involvement in planning schemes themselves, making them more relevant to the needs of the community.  Involving local people in the process of support and development is indeed considered highly beneficial.  Networking and involvement with local organisations is also a key factor.  Many employers do much to help the workless back into work, through placement schemes for instance, and this is seen as the way forward, along with more involvement between educational establishments and employers, to address issues of rising worklessness amongst young people.

Worklessness is obviously a drain on the regional economy, and studies have shown that it almost always impacts negatively upon happiness and personal well-being.  The key for the region is to engage with workless individuals, raise their aspirations and skills, and help integrate them into a diverse and vibrant workforce.

Fact File

• In June 2007, the number of workless working-age households in the UK was around 3.04 million.

• It is estimated that 22.6 per cent of all households in the North East are workless households.  Nationally the figure is around 16.1 per cent.

• Ethnic disparities in worklessness are apparent in the UK: 28.8% of Black Caribbean children live in workless households, compared to 14.1% of white children and 8.8% of children in Indian communities. The ethnic group with the highest proportion is the Black African group, at 40.6%.

• A great deal of ‘informal work’ is being carried out in communities with low employment rates.  It would be preferable to transfer these skills to legitimate sectors where employees are more protected and may see more prospects.