This study, jointly commissioned by the NFA, Communities that Work and the NHF, finds evidence that many of those described by the statisticians as ‘economically inactive’ – for instance, the disabled and lone carers – very much want good quality paid work.

The case studies in this report demonstrate that when landlords can offer constructive support that takes account of the difficulties they face, such as lack of transport, unaffordable childcare or no functional online access, they are then able to invest the effort needed to develop CV-writing and interview techniques or to gain experience and learn the skills that will greatly improve their job opportunities.

This is vital work. Our labour market is changing. For the first time in at least thirty years, the workforce has stopped growing and may be getting smaller – driven by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and demographic change. Now more than ever, employers and government will need to find new ways to raise participation in the labour market, engage those who are further from work, and improve job retention, security and progression.

The report was researched and written by the Institute for Employment Studies and the Learning and Work Institute. The NFA has prepared a five-page summary of its key findings for members and stakeholders.