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Arabella Advisors, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, conducted an in-depth analysis of the causes and consequences of long-term unemployment and strategies to address it. Arabella interviewed over 40 policymakers, economists, employment advocates, employers, training providers, and funders. Its research also included a review of relevant literature and a thorough analysis of employment- related grant making. Its
work was further informed by research partners, including the Urban Institute and IDEO.org. Unemployment experts at The Urban Institute conducted an extensive literature review and data analysis on the characteristics, causes, consequences, and policy options on issues of long-term unemployment. The IDEO team conducted in-depth interviews with unemployed workers and employers to produce an insights document and an accompanying video.
Interested in reading more on unemployment? Visit this selection on Giving Compass.
Read a brief summary here, and see the report in its entirety on Arabella Advisors at the link below.
Long-term unemployment remains a dire problem with significant consequences both for the economic security of vulnerable populations and for the overall health of the US economy. Labor demand has not increased to levels necessary to significantly reduce long-term unemployment, and the persistence of this problem has created additional challenges. Efforts to support re-hiring of long-unemployed people should focus on mitigating the barriers that exacerbate unemployment, including stigma, lack of in- demand skills, and hiring systems that have not kept up with the demands of the modern labor market. While those hoping to address long-term unemployment can build upon progress being made in these areas, more work is needed to develop innovative solutions to long-term unemployment as a distinct problem. Addressing the lack of demand for long-term unemployed workers, ensuring they have the skills necessary to succeed, and better pairing them with employers will help long-unemployed people find and keep new jobs, strengthening their earning potential and increasing the well-being of these vulnerable people and their families and communities.