80. Kada Research supports the Pathways to Work Commission
Kada Research were commissioned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) and the Pathways to Work Commission to carry out in-depth qualitative research with Barnsley residents. The research explored the lived experiences of people who wanted to be in paid work but could not be due to their health and/or caring responsibilities.
The Pathways to Work Commission was created by BMBC and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to investigate how better pathways to work could be created for those who are ‘economically inactive’. An individual is defined as ‘economically inactive’ if they are of working age (16 – 64), not in employment, and not looking for a job. The Pathways to Work Commission report, launched in July 2024 (available here), was based upon multiple pieces of research including the in-depth qualitative research led by Kada. The report highlights the need for more devolved, local solutions to support people who want to enter paid employment but cannot be due to their health and/or caring responsibilities. It also recognises the need to better integrate health services and employment support, a sentiment echoed by the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall at the launch:
“We will give local places the responsibility and resources to design a joined-up work, health and skills offer that’s right for local people”.
Kada’s research was carried out with residents over two phases. The first phase involved research conversations with 37 Barnsley residents who shared their experiences of work, the barriers that prevent them from working, the challenges of being economically inactive, and their aspirations and motivations for the future. The conversations provided rich insights into the realities for Barnsley residents who either want to be in paid work but are unable to or have previous experience of being in this position.
In phase two, four focus groups were held to, firstly, explore further people’s experiences of employment support and, secondly, test which practical solutions are most needed to help Barnsley residents re-enter work. Attended by 18 Barnsley residents, the focus groups brought together people facing similar barriers or living in the same communities. They included individuals from various backgrounds: parents; people with health conditions; people caring for family members with physical or mental health issues; and people accessing support via a community organisation. If you would like to read more about the Kada research with Barnsley resident’s you can find them here.
Our research with residents found experiences of ‘economic inactivity’ are often complex with barriers to entering paid employment evolving over time. The term ‘economic inactivity’ simplifies the diversity of experiences and people, as well as the blurred lines between health, care, and other barriers. The severity of the impacts of experiencing ‘economic inactivity’ is connected to the resources, personal situation, and support networks of the individual. Timely interventions and support can prevent the escalation and multiplication of barriers (described by some as the “spiral”). We found there is a wealth of support available across Barnsley, the majority of which has been experienced positively by those who have engaged with it, particularly the forms of support delivered in communities or tailored to specific needs. However, the support needs to be more visible, easier to engage with, and more joined up. There is a need for personalised support tailored to specific needs, experiences, and circumstances. Crucially, long-term support is needed to give people the best chance to make sustained changes to their economic circumstances.
Barnsley Council thanked us for the research, adding: “There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and understanding the variety of barriers with a far more personalised approach is key to tackling the problem”
“The Pathways to Work Commission is timely and important, with the lessons from Barnsley relevant to places across the country especially with the new Government focus on addressing work, health, and skills at a local level. It is crucial when exploring issues such as these that people with lived experiences are involved to as they provide valuable insights which may not have been considered. The term ‘economic inactivity’ itself obscures the valuable contributions people are making through childcare, caring for adults, and volunteering. We found there is no ‘silver bullet’ that will address all barriers to entering and remaining in paid employment with tailored support required”
Sophie Negus, Project Manager.
If you are thinking about commissioning research exploring work and health or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work, you can contact us at sophie@kadaresearch.co.uk.
