Supporting Career Progression in Growth Sectors

As part of our programme of research and knowledge exchange on ‘What Works in Tackling Poverty’, the Public Policy Institute for Wales (PPIW) commissioned an in-depth study of the potential for growth sectors to reduce poverty. The research, which is led by Professor Anne Green, is analysing statistical data and drawing on an extensive review of secondary evidence.

The first paper published by the team focuses on evidence about whether career progression in financial and professional services; manufacturing; energy and environment; construction; social care; and hospitality can lift people out of poverty.

The researchers find that whilst in theory progression should help to reduce in-work poverty, there is very little evidence – in the UK or internationally – about the best approaches to encouraging progression.  They advocate the use of trials to determine what works and suggest that initiatives such as Universal Credit and UK futures programme offer an ideal opportunity to generate new evidence.  They also highlight the potential to integrate economic development strategies with initiatives which encourage career progression and could help to secure employer ‘buy-in’.