ReportCompetence Framework_DEF_19.06.2018

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project Number: 2017-1-SK01-KA204-035385] 3.2.3. UNITED KINGDOM Three female and two male unemployed adults were interviewed. There were varying timescales with regards to the length of time that they have been unemployed. Barriers to employment include health problems, claims of Ageism discrimination and generally a feeling of not being listened to and therefore not getting the support needed. Although 3 gave their nationality as British, with one Liberian and one Hungarian, only 2 participants had their first language as English. Two unemployed migrants engaged in the research and one other was a second generation migrant. Below are details which reflect some of the information gained from the interviews. For Question 1 “Are you employed or unemployed? In case of unemployment, how long have you been unemployed?” all participants are unemployed with 4 being 4 long term unemployed. In answer to question 2 “Why do you think that you are unemployed? What is the main reason?” various reasons were given for the unemployment including health issues and ageism along with the need for flexible working due to childcare needs. Two of the participants had long term health conditions and one of these had lost her job after she had an operation and was no longer able to do her work. She is currently looking for different employment but finding that employers are not interested when they know about her illness and her operation. Another participant is struggling to find employment that is flexible around her childcare needs. Three of the unemployed participants do not have English as their first language. For question 3 “Are you being counselled by a guidance professional about your employment opportunities?” Is this counselling individual or in a group? Could you describe it?” Only one of the participants mentioned group counselling session and that this was not proactive and that the clients were just left at a computer with no real support. The consensus appears to be that individual coaching with the same professional advisor is preferable. In answer to question 4 “Do you think that a different approach from guidance professionals would help you in up-skilling? Why?” Having someone who listens to their needs was the most important point raised. In answer to question 5 “Have you ever accessed career guidance? If yes, has your professional situation changed or improved after the session? If no, are you planning to do so?” Mixed answers were given, with all participants having accessed career guidance in some way. One person has found a volunteer job as a result of accessing career guidance but not paid work. Overall there were some positive comments but low success rate in finding employment. For question 6 “In your opinion, what would improve the career guidance profession?” Answers include, if the advisor listened more, gave more constructive advice, liaised more with employers and gave you more time.