New Things Fund - Drivers and barriers to Return-to Work and remaining in work: experiences of older Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women in London
This project aims to further our understanding of one Area of Research Interest (ARI) identified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on how to ‘maximise employment, reduce economic inactivity, and support the progression of those in work’. To this end, the project identified some key facilitators and barriers to return-to-work and remaining in work among women aged 45 and over from Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds in London and the South-East of England. The project emphasises key barriers emerging from difficulties in navigating work-job seeking environment and the work environment itself, cultural and institutional barriers around family caring, the mismatch between opportunities and qualifications, and the deleterious effects from inactivity on mental health and well-being.
Identifying barriers to and best practices for return-to-work for older BAME women: The research findings will inform about the constraints and opportunities individuals face to access employment and the needs individuals have in accessing work, including knowledge of employment support systems.
Stakeholder analysis/mapping: Identification and initial evaluation of organisations that can influence or have an interest in supporting the removal of barriers to ‘return-to-work’ of older BAME women within the London Boroughs of Brent and Newham. This will be achieved with civil servants at the DWP, local authorities, and voluntary organisations.
Stakeholder collaboration/engagement: The project aims to promote collaboration between the research team, stakeholders, and employment support services. It will also aim to create a close engagement with relevant civil servants at DWP to identify and define evidence-informed policy to remove barriers to returning to work for older ethnic minority women. Finally, it aims to engage with policymakers at the local authority level and non-governmental organisations to identify and recruit participants.
Maximise employment, reduce economic inactivity, and support the progression of those in work. DWP.
Dr Eloi Ribe Lecturer, Gerontology, University of Southampton, UK. E.Ribe@soton.ac.uk