More than a match? Assessing the HRM challenge of engaging employers to support retention and progression. (21st November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sissons, Paul; Green, Anne E.
• Other Names: van Berkel Rik guestEditor.; Ingold Jo guestEditor.; McGurk Patrick guestEditor.; Boselie Paul guestEditor.; Bredgaard Thomas guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Human resource management journal. Volume 27:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 565
• Page End: 580
• Publication Date: 2017-11-21
• Subjects: low pay -- precarious employment -- welfare -- training and development -- employer engagement -- active labour market policy; Personnel management -- Periodicals; 658.3
• DOI: 10.1111/1748-8583.12161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-5395

Abstract

Abstract : This article considers employer engagement within a changing landscape of active labour market policy (ALMP). Employer engagement in ALMP has focused on supporting job entry for disadvantaged groups, through working with employers to attain changes on the demand side or using dialogue with employers to implement changes on the supply side. Employer engagement in this model is orientated to a point in time: the job match. However, ALMP policy in the UK is beginning to give greater emphasis to the sustainability of job entries and progression opportunities. This potentially creates a quite different set of expectations around employer engagement and asks more of employers. Yet securing strong engagement from employers in ALMP has tended to be difficult. This article examines the challenges that such a change in focus will have for existing models of employer engagement and on associated implications for HRM theory, policy and practices.