Resource centre

Adult Learning Option baseline tracker study

Research Report No. 392

by Gillian Prior, Louise Hall and Luke Lloyd

The New Deal for Skills was launched in March 2004 and is being jointly developed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education and Skills. As part of this, the Adult Learning Option is being piloted, which will enable those on benefits to take up full-time study for their first Level 2 qualification, without loss of benefits. The Skills Analysis Team, who are part of the DWP, commissioned a survey to:

  • provide a baseline estimate of the proportion of benefit recipients currently studying for a Level 2 qualification;
  • establish a baseline measure of qualifications levels among those in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Incapacity Benefit;
  • measure current studying activity among this group.

    The survey was conducted amongst recipients of the three types of benefits Incapacity Benefit, Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance) in four pilot areas:

  • Central London (including Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth);
  • Greater Manchester East and West;
  • Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Swindon;
  • Birmingham and Solihull.

    Interviews were carried out between 11 January and 26 April 2006 using Computer- Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) by a team of TNS' most experienced interviewers. All interviewers were personally briefed by the project manager before work commenced. 2,129 interviews were completed in the fieldwork period, and interviews generally lasted 20 to 30 minutes. 545 interviews were achieved in Birmingham & Solihull, 533 in Central London, 530 in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Swindon, and 520 in Greater Manchester East and West.

    October 2006

    ISBN 1 84712 096 2

    top of page