26 January 2010 – 50+ Back to Work Evidence Review and Indicative Guide for Secondary Data Analysis

This report presents findings from a literature review that was commissioned to provide greater insight into how DWP back to work (BTW) provision supports the over 50s’ return to work. DWP evaluation reports that were published between January 2000 and December 2008 were included in the exercise.

The main findings are:

• General programme impacts: It was not always possible to fully assess ‘what works’ in terms of BTW  provision for different age groups because:
  • many evaluation designs did not include a comparison group
  • in a number of programmes, participation was voluntary and/or for sub-groups of 50+ people
  • reasons for age differences were often not identified in the reports
  • reports did not identify which aspects of a provision contributed to the observed outcomes.

However, gaps identified in the evidence should be interpreted in light of the current study focus; previous evaluation studies were commissioned and designed for a different purpose.

• Advisory support – older customers valued regular meetings and support with job searches, IT skills and preparing CVs. Older people with professional or managerial backgrounds were less likely to find adviser services helpful. In programmes that involved a mandatory interview with an adviser, 50+ customers were more likely to have a health condition or disability which may have restricted engagement with advisory services.
• Training – studies reported lower than expected rates of training among 50+ customers. Few studies provided reasons for non-take up: these included perceptions of being ‘too old’ for training or disappointment with training options. Positive work outcomes attributed to participation in Work Based Learning for Adults (WBLA)  (a voluntary programme) did not identify possible reasons for this favourable outcome among older participants.
• There was less evidence available on the role of work experience, wage supplements and financial supports in supporting older people back to work.

Notes to Editors:

1. The report “50+ Back to work evidence review and indicative guide for secondary data analysis” by Sandra Vegeris, Deborah Smeaton and Melahat Sahin-Dikmen, Policy Studies Institute is published today as part of the DWP Research Report series. A copy of the report and summary of the research can be downloaded from the Department’s website at http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/
2. The research consisted of a review of DWP evaluation reports that were published between January 2000 and December 2008. These covered ten separate pilots or programmes of provision such as New Deal programmes (New Deal 25+, New Deal 50+, New Deal for Disabled People, New Deal for Partners), Work Based Learning for Adults and the IB Pathways to Work programme. Prospective datasets were also identified for their potential to address knowledge gaps in welfare-to-work interventions.  

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