RNIB Intermediate Labour Market
by Philippa SIMKISS
1. RNIB has recently completed work as the lead partner in a
trans-national project entitled the
Employment Continuum,
that aimed to consider how intermediate labour markets can be made accessible
to blind and partially sighted people. Along with our partners
(National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Swedish Labour Market Board)
we have conducted a series of seminars and study visits in our respective
countries to share information and agree what constitutes good practice in this
field of activity. We have considered the terminology around the intermediate
labour market and have agreed to use the phrase 'employment continum' or ‘labour
market continuum’ in preference to intermediate labour market in view of
the confusion surrounding the vocabulary. The labour market continuum embraces
a wide range of opportunities for those furthest from the labour market.
We have investigated different models of provision and produced a series
of case studies to consider the purpose of labour market continuum activities
including progression, training and rehabilitation. We stress that although
some people will progress through the employment continuum to attain work in the
open labour market there will be those for whom a position within the continuum
represents their optimum engagement with the labour market.
2. Despite the apparent benefits a poor understanding of the impact and added value of labour market continuum solutions, fragmented availability of advice and support, limited funding and a lack of coherence within the sector have hampered development. Although many labour market continuum opportunities have been set up for people with mental health needs or learning difficulties we found that the number of visually impaired people accessing such opportunities is low. There is little financial support available for business start up and little outreach or marketing of assistance to visually impaired entrepreneurs. Enterprise training is often not accessible. RNIB is seeking to facilitate the removal of such barriers through campaigning and direct provision.
3. There is reluctance amongst policy makers to recognise the potential of labour market continuum initiatives to provide long term employment for disabled people. Through the Employment Continuum project we have considered evaluation of this type of activity and suggested some tools and approaches to do this. We concluded the project by producing a policy position paper and presenting it at a conference in Brussels. The document calls for the European Union to co-ordinate a central approach to evaluation of labour market continuum activities, for example by supporting a programme of pilot activities in Member States. We also ask the EU to encourage national administrations to provide long term funding for social enterprise, for both start-up costs and longer term subsidy. We are currently using the document to promote debate amongst policy makers, providers of transitional employment initiatives and those working with people who are furthest away from the labour market.
4. In addition we are campaigning for benefit reform to ensure a transparent framework for administrators and recipients. We support the introduction of an income maintenance benefit that seeks to address existing benefit traps. This would be tapered downward as earned income increases but which would be set at a level that guarantees additional total income as an individual becomes increasingly involved in the labour market.
5. RNIB already has some involvement in labour market continuum initiatives. On a small scale our Trainee Scheme has been successful in progressing people into open employment and our training college in Redhill has established one social firm and is seeking funding to establish a second.
6. We are currently recruiting a Supported Employment Development Officer.
The main focus of their job will be to increase the range of employment
continuum opportunities open to blind and partially sighted people by leading
the development and implementation of RNIB supported employment provision.
We anticipate that the post holder will have entrepreneurial skills, proven
in the commercial field, since they will be involved in all aspects of business
planning, marketing and development of new ventures. These skills are not typical
of those working in client centred service delivery but we see than as
strategically important for new development.
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