Returning to work after a period of unemployment is rarely a straightforward journey. People’s experiences are shaped by a range of factors, including their age, health, confidence, work history, and access to appropriate support. Recognising this, Seetec has undertaken new research exploring how different groups experience the Restart Scheme and what can be done to improve employment support for those facing additional barriers to work.
Drawing on the experiences of more than 1,000 Restart Scheme participants, this study examines how age and gender influence engagement, outcomes, and perceptions of employment support. The findings provide valuable insight for employment service providers, policymakers, commissioners, and employers seeking to create more inclusive pathways into work.
Why this research matters:
The Restart Scheme was launched in 2021 to provide personalised support for people who are unemployed and seeking sustainable employment. While previous evaluations have considered the programme’s effectiveness, less attention has been paid to how different groups experience employment support and whether their needs are being met.
This research addresses that gap by focusing on two groups currently receiving significant policy attention young adults and people aged 50 and over. It also explores how gender intersects with age to shape experiences of unemployment, job searching, and employment support.
The research offers a series of recommendations to help strengthen employment support, including:
- Improving information sharing before participants join programmes.
- Better matching participants with advisers.
- Providing age-specific career guidance and career pathway support.
- Expanding employer engagement and opportunities for work experience.
- Ensuring equitable access to holistic support services, particularly for those less likely to ask for help.
For detailed findings, participant insights, analysis, and recommendations, read the full report and discover how age and gender shape experiences of employment support in today’s labour market.
Access the full report
Read the executive summary
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