BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT REPORT 2004 - 2005

The Barriers to Employment report was funded by The European Social Fund.

CONTENT
1 2 3 4 Forward Background Methodology Introduction Barriers to Employment and Training Research Findings
Section (a) Section (b) Section (c) Section (d) Section (e) Section (f) Section (g) Section (h) Present situation Employed, Self Employed, in Training or Further Education Unemployed Type of Employment / Training Further Education & Training Disabled Barriers Barriers to Learners Identified by training Providers

5 6 7 8 9 10

Findings/Analysis Barriers to Learners Identified by Training Providers Findings/Analysis Conclusions Recommendations Appendices App 1 Questionnaire Acknowledgements

1. Forward/Background
Equality NE Ltd (original company name Fair Play NE Ltd) was launched in 1994 as part of a national initiative supported by the DfEE and the Equal Opportunities Commission. It became an independent, not for profit Company Limited by Guarantee in 1997. The aim of the organisation is to become recognised as the foremost brand in the region tackling equal opportunities and diversity issues in employment, training and education, ultimately removing the barriers to economic and social life for all. In order to achieve those aims Equality North East deliver various initiatives including the website www.equality-ne.co.uk . The site is a one stop source of equal opportunities information aimed at small businesses and individuals helping them with everything they need to know about their rights and responsibilities pertaining to equality of opportunities in the workplace. It also has a job vacancy section where pro-active employers can advertise free of charge. We ensure that the web-site is made available to as many people as possible through our access points these are in centres throughout the North East region, for example ethnic minority centres, age concern, womens centres etc. We have over 200 access points throughout the North East Region. The Durham Co-Financing Project. This Project falls under Measure 2.3 Combating Discrimination in the Labour Market and is in two parts. The first part of the project was to carry out research into the barriers to employment, training and education faced by disadvantaged/specific groups. On identifying these barriers it is intended to assist training providers in implementing policies and monitoring procedures which will help to overcome these barriers. This report outlines the findings of the research.

2. Methodology
Research was carried out in Access Points and Training Providers throughout the Durham area. The access points are situated in a variety of centres, including: Ethnic Minority Centres, Libraries, Disability Centres, Youth Drop-in Centres and Training Centres. Access points provide free internet access for those clients who attend. Specific groups were targeted in order to gather an accurate measure for this research. Target groups included: People aged 16-24 People over 50 Ethnic Minorities People with Disabilities People living in Rural Areas

The report reveals the comparisons between each sector. A questionnaire was developed which was designed to collect specific information in a structured format to reinforce our research. ENE staff used the ENE Access Points together with Durham Training Providers to enlist volunteers to be interviewed by means of a questionnaire. ENE staff carried out interviews using the questionnaire. (App1). The questionnaire was used on a one to one basis where and when necessary. However, where possible it was advised they were completed by individuals in a workshop environment, following a brief presentation raising an awareness pertaining to the issues for this research The aims of the workshop were to: Raise awareness of the individuals rights and responsibilities pertaining to equality in the workplace Raise awareness of the process of stereotyping and how this can lead to prejudice and discrimination Raise awareness of the main pieces of legislation covering discrimination Examine the different types of discrimination including direct and indirect Encourage and assist participants to identify any forms of barriers, (including forms of discrimination) to training and employment. The workshops enabled all target groups to consider different ways in which they could have been discriminated against with regard to training, education and employment.

The Training Providers and Access Points contacted initially were: New College Durham Groundwork East Durham Pioneering Care Partnership Action Team for Jobs Remploy Sedgefield Borough Council Auckland Training Darlington & Durham County Racial Equality Council Bishop Auckland College Dene Valley Partnership East Houghall Community College Durham University Training Providers and Access points who aided the research included: New College Durham Groundwork East Durham Pioneering Care Partnership Auckland Training Darlington & Durham County Racial Equality Council Bishop Auckland College East Houghall Community College J & B Skills Sedgefield Training 2D, Crook Chester le Street Council for Voluntary Services CVS assisted in directing ENE to NP Training and Welfare to Work, of which both were unable to support the research at this time. Equality North East also facilitated a work shop attended by training providers to learn what barriers they thought faced learners.

Breakdown of activities June action planning July design of questionnaire, staff training, identified potential interviews August development of training brief and presentation for delivery of research based workshops August December delivery of presentations, workshops and interviews There were 147 people interviewed in total. September 16-24 29 50+ 4 Ethnic Minorities 0 Disability 6 Rural 0 Total 39

October 16-24 3 50+ 5 Ethnic Minorities 9 Disability 3 Rural 24 Total 44

November 16-24 3 50+ 3 Ethnic Minorities 0 Disability 5 Rural 10 Total 21

December 16-24 0 50+ 8 Ethnic Minorities 20 Disability 6 Rural 0 Total 34

3. Introduction
BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT
In total we interviewed 147 people throughout County Durham. Interviews took place at: Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope (Bishop Auckland College) Pioneering Care Partnership, Newton Aycliffe New College, Durham Sedgefield Training, Spennymoor St Nicholas Church, Durham (REC) JB Skill Care Auckland Training, Bishop Auckland Bishop Auckland College East Durham and Houghall Community College, Peterlee 2D, Crook Type of people Interviewed

Type of People Interviewed

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16/25 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minority Other

The Other category were people who did not match any of the target groups.

Age of People Interviewed

A of P ge eople Interview ed
6+ 1 4 /6 1 0 1 /2 6 5

26 0 /4

2 -4 5 9

Ethnicity of people interviewed

Ethnicity of People Interviewed

120 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
British Other White Black African Pakistani Bangladeshi Other Asian White Asian Other Mixed Chinese Other Ethnic Group

Barriers to Employment and Training Research Findings

SECTION (a)
What Are You Doing at Present? Of the 147 people interviewed, people where asked whether they were in employment, further education, training, or self-employed. The graph below shows the results.
What are you doing at present?
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Self-Employed Training Unemployed/Not Working Other Employed Further Education

Those who answered other were retired, or doing voluntary work. Of the 67 who said they were in Full Time Employment, the average time which they have been working for is 5 years and their average hours per week are 27. Of the 33 who said they were in Further Education, the average time for which they have been attending is 1 years and their average hours per week are 22. Of the 6 who said they were Self Employed the longest time was 25 years and the shortest was 2 years. The average working time was 18 hours but one person worked up to 60 hours per week. Of the 30 who said they were doing some kind of Training the average time they had been doing this was just over 1 year. The average hours of training they did was 24 per week. Although there were some people doing full time training.

The graph below shows the breakdown of the target groups

What Are You Doing at Present?

Ethnic Minorities

Other Unemployed/Not Working Training

Disabled

Rural

Self-Employed Further Education

50+ Employed 16-24

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

SECTION (b)
Are you happy with the hours worked? In total, 111 of the 147 people questioned answered this question. 82 said that they were happy with the hours they worked while 29 said they were not. The graph shows the number of hours the target groups work.

Are you happy with the number of hours you work? 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities

Y N

The graph shows when people would like to work.

When would you like to work?

18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
I would like to work full time I would like to work mornings I would like to work evenings I would like to work afternoons I would like to work weekdays I would like to work weekends I would like to work term time only I would like to work flexible hours I would like to work less hours

An accurate measure was not achieved with this question, although 111 people answered this question, many gave more than one answer revealing that they would like to work part time or full time as well as being flexible. The graph shows the breakdown of the target groups.

When would you like to work?

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities I would like to work full time I would like to work mornings I would like to work evenings I would like to work afternoons I would like to work weekdays I would like to work weekends I would like to work term time only I would like to work flexible hours I would like to work less hours

Comments made were:Disabled:Happy with balance being decreased due to health I was medically retired 7 years ago and working in the Voluntary sector the people there are the best I've worked with. Being a volunteer the hours are variable and suit me. Rural:I'm easy going, whatever's on offer Would like to work the hours I get paid for - 30 hours

Are you restricted in the hours you work for any personal reasons? EG. Caring Responsibilities, Health Issues etc. 111 people answered this question. 29 said Yes and 82 said No.

Are you restricted in the hours you work for any personal reasons?
30 25 20 Y 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities N

Research showed that one of the interviewees stated that being deaf restricted the hours they could do. The restrictions which people said they have are shown in the Pie-chart below.
R o fo res tio s eas n r tric n
C ollege

H ealth Issues / D isability

C hildcare

N F i o lex S stemat y w ork

O ther com itm m ents

If you are currently employed are you able to access training? Of the 83 people that answered this question, 65 said Yes they were able to access training and 18 said they were not able to access training.

If you are currently employed are you able to access training?

25

20

15

Y N

10 5

16-24

50+

Rural

Disabled

Ethnic Minorities

If Yes, Are you supported by work? Of those 68 who answered this question, 58 said they were supported by work and 10 said that they werent. Of those who answered Yes, research showed that some employers were willing to pay for the training and some provided in-house training. If the training was appropriate to the job then training was supported. One interviewee who has a disability had a support worker who helps to access training for them. Those who were currently volunteers found it difficult to access training as the majority of them would have to pay themselves. Would you like to different work? In total 89 people answered this question, with 23 saying Yes, they would like to do different work while 66 said they were happy with the work they are doing at present. The breakdown of the target groups:Target groups 16 24 50+ Ethnic Minorities Disabled Rural Yes 8 0 2 2 10 No 15 11 10 6 19

SECTION (c)
Are you registered Unemployed? Of the 82 people who answered, 20 were registered unemployed and 62 were not.

Are you registered Unemployed? 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities Y N

Do You Want To Work? In total 52 people answered, 42 said Yes and 10 said No. Target groups 16 24 50+ Ethnic Minorities Disabled Rural Yes 14 2 10 6 9 No 2 3 1 2 1

Why do you want to work? The graph below shows the reasons why people want to work.
Why do you want to work?
24 20 16 12 8 4 0 Retired Satisfaction Enjoy it Confidence Money Gain Qualifications Independence Meet people Other

Other reasons were to pass the time, look after old people and one said they enjoyed face painting. Another interviewee was originally from Belarus and is a qualified piano teacher who would like to work but unfortunately cant find a job at present. Are there any physical/mental factors which prevent you from working? In total 61 people answered this question with 47 having no physical/mental factors preventing them from working while 14 did.
Physical/mental factors which prevent people from working
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Age Health Disabiltiy Learning Disability Accessibility

Specific disabilities were wheelchair users, deafness and visually impaired.

Are there any personal or domestic reasons which would restrict you from working or restrict the hours you work? In total 53 people answered this question with 39 saying No they had no restrictions while 14 said they did.
Personal or dom estic reasons which restrict work or hours.
T Busy oo C hildcare Location/T el rav D omestic C ost

The graph below shows the breakdown of the target groups.

Are there any personal or domestic reasons which would restrict you from working or restrict the hours you work?
18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

Y N

16-24

50+

Rural

Disabled

Ethnic Minorities

If you are disabled do you think this has any effect of your ability to get a job? 23 people answered this question with 13 saying that their disability hadnt had any effect on them getting a job while 10 said it had. Those 10 people made the following comments:Anything that has a physical test. I want to be a forensic scientist, but would need to do something else in this area. Not tried due to disability. I need a job where I can sit. No jobs in Crook. Can't drive to other towns and no time to travel by bus. Getting around is very difficult, the more or further I travel the more destabilised I become. Lack of Deaf awareness Diabetes severe and health issues from this. But I feel I'm not reliable but I am a very good worker. Buildings not accessible. People's ignorance. Are you currently receiving any training or working towards any qualification? 11 people answered this question, 3 were not working towards any qualification and 8 were. The type of qualification that people were working towards were NVQs in Business Admin, Environmental Conservation and Assessor Training. There were some people doing English courses, IT training and History (British) French. Two people stood out in particularly as both have disabilities, one has a short term memory problem due to an accident but is doing a Science degree, advanced diploma in professional development and working towards forensic/crime science. Another who has learning disabilities is doing ongoing fire training, disability equality training and equal opportunities training.

SECTION (d)
What type of work would you like to do?
What type of w ork w ould you like to do? Other Armed Forces/Police Shop Gardening IT Helping People Beauty Therapy Teaching Admin Anything 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ethnic Minorities D isabled Rural 50+ 16-24

Type of work which people would like to do

20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Anything Admin Teaching Beauty Therapy Helping People IT Gardening Shop Armed Forces/Police Other

The graph shows that the majority of people would like to do Administration/Office work or Beauty Therapy work. Many of those interviewed at New College Durham were doing a Beauty Therapy/Hairdressing course.

There were many different types of jobs that came into the other category, for example: Reflexologist, Dance Music Producer, Head Chef, Photography, Working on a Cruise Ship, a Doctor, Game Keeper and one person said that they would like a more advanced job. Do you need qualifications for this type of work? In total 78 people answered this question, 14 said No, they didnt need a qualification, 12 didnt know whether a qualification was needed and remaining 52 said Yes, the did need a qualification.
Do you need qualifications for this type of work?
20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities

Y N

Of those people who stated the type of work they would like to do which was 69, 46 of them said that they would need a qualification to carryout the type of work they would like to do whilst 13 said they wouldnt need a qualification and the remaining werent sure.

What are the qualifications you need for this type of work? The graph shows the different types of qualifications people have said that they need to do the type of work they would like to do.
Qualifications needed
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Don't Know NVQ Degree None Experience Maths & English Other

The graph above shows the different types of qualifications people need for the type of job they wish to do. Those in the other category needed qualifications such as, Catering Gardening and Horticulture, PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education), Sexual Health / Teaching/ Counselling and IT. Those people who answered the question about the type of work they wanted to do 26 said they had the required qualifications and while 33 did not. Target groups 16 24 50+ Ethnic Minorities Disabled Rural Yes 8 2 6 5 9 No 9 1 5 4 11

If Yes, Have you found they are accepted? In total 27 people answered this question, 19 said Yes, they had found that their qualifications had been accepted while 8 said No, they had not been accepted.

Interviewees gave the following comments:Ethnic Minorities:I have a diploma from my country (Belarus) I am a professional teacher I am waiting for registration at General Medical Council Prejudice I haven't worked in a factory before but I don't need any special qualifications. Rural:I am not training for any of these I'm on Business Admin Course. (This person said that the type of work they would like to do would be Working with animals, catering, hairdressing, something active).

SECTION (e)
Are you currently receiving any training or working towards any qualifications? The graph below shows the breakdown of target groups.
Are you currently receiving any training or working towards any qualifications? 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities

Y N

Of the 114 people who answered this question, 22 were not working towards a qualification while 92 were.
Type of Qualification 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 IT City & Guilds NVQ On the Job Training Maths/English A Levels PhD Creative writing (WEA) Other

The graph shows the different types of qualifications people are undertaking. Those who came under the Other category were doing the following qualifications:ORC Fitness, Forensic Science, Gardening / Horticulture, Teaching & Counselling, Sport science & exercise, European Driving Licence and British Sign Language Level 2.

There were many people doing NVQs and the graph below shows the different subjects people are working towards in NVQs. 16-24:Beauty Therapy, NVQ 2, Basic Skills eg. Maths, English 50+:IT, Creative Writing Ethnic Minorities:Higher Education, ESOL, NVQ Social Care Disabled:Maths, Forensic Science, PhD, EDLC Rural:IT, Administration NVQ, Beauty Therapy, Teaching, Sports Science

NVQ Qualifications
24 20 16 12 8 4 0

Assessor Training Beauty Therapy Business Admin Gardening Social Care

Both graphs show a lack of IT courses. We spoke to a tutor at EDHCC who said that when new IT courses were becoming available they were filled up very quickly, consequently students were unable to access IT courses. If no, would you like to? Of the people who said that they werent receiving any training or working towards any qualifications, 24 said that they would like to and 6 said they would not. The majority of those who would like to do training/qualifications were Ethnic Minorities.

If yes, what would you like to do? The graph shows the qualifications which people would like to undertake.
Qualifications which people would like to do
IT
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Don't Know NVQ Beauty/Hairdressing Admin Teacher English Social Worker/Care Further Training Book Keeping

What type of Further Education / Training are you doing?

Type of Further Education / Training
20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 IT NVQ Beauty Therapy/Hairdressing English/Maths ECDL GCSE's Bus iness Adm in Soc ial Care BSL 2 Creative writing (W EA) O ther

The graph shows the type of further education or training that people are currently doing. Beauty Therapy, English and Maths are the main categories. Some interviews which took place at NCD where with the Beauty Therapy class. The majority of interviews which took place at EDHCC, Peterlee were with Ethnic Minorities who were doing an ESOL course, hence the great interest in English and Maths. One person would like to have continued development / training within their job. There was also interest shown higher education, such as a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies and a Masters.

Will this lead to a qualification? In total 98 people answered, 10 people said No, the further education / training they were dong wouldnt lead to a qualification while 88 said Yes, it would.
Will this lead to a qualification?
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities Y N

Type of qualification The graph shows the type of qualification those who are undertaking further education or training will receive if they complete the course.
Type of qualification
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

City & Guilds ECDL NVQ Degree/PhD Beauty Therapy A Level Social Care Other

Would you like to gain some further qualifications? In total 96 people answered, 24 said No, they wouldnt like to gain further qualifications while 72 said Yes, they would.
Would you like to gain some further qualifications?
25 20 15 10 5 0
Y N

16-24

50+

Rural

Disabled

Ethnic Minorities

Type of Further Qualifications The graph shows the further qualifications which people would like to do.
Type of Further Qualifications 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 IT Anything NVQ Business Admin Other NVQ Higher Education A Levels GCSE's English/Maths Care Other

The majority of people would like to do a higher qualification in what they are currently doing.

Do you find access to training easy? In total 86 people answered this question, 64 said Yes. One person said that they found access to training easy for IT but not for an RHS Course which is run by Houghall College who have so far failed to send her any information. Bishop Auckland College were very helpful as they printed information in large print. In total 22 said No, they did not find access to training easy. Finance was a big issue for many people, the cost of the course and the cost of travel. The distance some needed to travel to access courses was also a problem. Lack of information and poor communication skills for some people, especially ethnic minorities, was also an issue. A deaf person said that it was difficult to catch up but need interpreter (qualified) and there are problems getting communicators in signing/voice. Target groups 16 24 50+ Ethnic Minorities Disabled Rural Yes 18 6 10 8 19 No 2 0 11 3 6

Do you know where to go to find out how to gain the necessary training or qualifications? In total 92 people answered this question, 15 said No, they didnt know where to go to gain the necessary training or qualifications. Recommendation: Contact those Colleges/Training providers in the area where these people live or where interviewed and inform them of this. 77 people said Yes, they did know where to access the necessary training or qualifications.
Do you know where to go to find out how to gain the necessary training or qualifications? 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities Y N

The graph shows the places that people have said they can access further training or qualifications.
Places where futher training or qualifications can be accessed
32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 0

Employer Training Providers School Tourist Information Job Centre Learn Direct Pioneering Care Partnership Auckland Training Organisation Internet CACDP Durham Colleges/Universities

Colleges or Universities were the main place that people had said they could access further training or qualifications. The Pie-Chart below shows the specific Colleges or Universities.

Types of Colleges/Universities Newcastle University Newton Rigg College

Durham University EDHCC

BAC NCD

Are you satisfied with the training you are receiving from your provider?
Are you satisfied with the training you are receiving from your provider?
25 20 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities Y N

In total 99 people answered, 91 said Yes and 8 said No. Of those people who said No, these are their comments. 50+:But more advanced course may be difficult to access Ethnic Minorities:I cannot travel to college in Newcastle because it is expensive. I live in Crook I would like more intensive support for level 2 Disabled:Issues of quality and accountability Rural:I do not enjoy it Are there any rules, requirements or personal reasons which make the working day more difficult for you than the other trainees/students? In total 100 people answered this question, 28 said Yes and 72 said No. Target groups 16 24 50+ Ethnic Minorities Disabled Rural Yes 8 1 5 8 4 No 19 7 17 5 20

The graph shows the rules, requirements or personal reasons which people have, which makes the working day more difficult for them.

Rules, requirements or personal reasons

6
Age

5 4 3 2 1 0

Health Work Childcare Transport Learning Disability Carer Language Difficulties Disability

Do you have any domestic or personal reasons which make training difficult for you? In total 106 people answered this question, 81 said No while 25 said Yes they did have domestic or personal reasons which made training difficult, which are shown in the graph below.
Do you have any domestic or personal reasons which make training difficult for you?
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities Y N

Domestic or personal reasons

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Family Work Childcare Health Motivation Communication/Confidence Disability

Do you have any transport difficulties? In total 111 people answered, 68 said No and 43 said Yes.

Do you have any transport difficulties?

25 20 15 10 5 0 16-24 50+ Rural Disabled Ethnic Minorities Y N

The graph shows the type of transport difficulties people have.

Transport Difficulties Lack of Buses 23%

Cost 26%

Location 17%

Unreliable Buses 34%

Comments made were:16-14:The bus gets very busy on mornings and sometimes just goes straight past which means I can wait up to an hour for a bush which makes me late I pay to and from college each day I have a pass for free but it takes an hour and a half, so I will be late for work. I get a day pass 4.70 each day Mon - Fri. County Hall refused Arriva bus pass for me 50+ & Rural:Don't drive - no transport home (Wolsingham) after 8pm Mon-Thurs. Unable to attend evening classes at BAC or Crook due to times of evening bus service Ethnic Minorities:I don't know about the bus routes because I'm new in this country Disabled:I am limited to how far I can travel. The more time I spend travelling the more unwell I become. Need and use a special vehicle Bus service not great and can't drive. Signs on buses not good. Need to research times etc when I do travel. People do help though and the service sector people are helpful. I am a confident person so this helps me if I was shy it may be a different matter. Can't drive due to being blind Rural:No public transport from Rookhope. To get to work and home again, have to get a taxi at 7.00 each way Sometimes the bus wont stop as they all are too full up to take anymore passengers I have to walk a long way with 3 bags, pushchair and a baby

SECTION (f)
Do you feel your disability has been a barrier? In total 22 people answered this question and the graph below shows the different barriers those people with disabilities face.
Disability Barriers Further Education/ Training 18%

Finding a job 50% Promotion 32%

Comments made were:Can't do physical work due to disability Disability on my left side Memory problems but PCP has helped me lots Equipment needed to put me on an equal footing with others I need a job where I can sit No deaf awareness I have difficulty coping with long periods of time working without a long break. Was forced to finish work 7 years ago as DDA Part III not in place then. I feel now that I'd be given more help. The research shows that there seems to be a lack of awareness for those with disabilities. Recommendations are that the service sector needs to become more aware of those with disabilities and ensure that public places are accessible. With the introduction of the DDA part III recently, there should be reasonable adjustments being carried out to public places to make them more accessible. Not just for those with disabilities but also elderly and people with children or pushchairs.

If working, is access to your workplace acceptable? In total 20 people answered with all but one saying that they found access to their workplace acceptable. One person had carried out an accessibility audit on their work premises and through training access was improved. The cost to making the workplace accessible can be expensive as one person pointed out. A deaf person had said that as long as there was an Interpreter provided then there was no accessibility problem. Do you find access to places you visit for work acceptable? In total 18 people answered, again all but one found places they visited for work had acceptable accessibility. One person said that Newcastle University had improved but still werent brilliant. Another person said that funding is a big issue for voluntary sectors as the majority of their buildings are old and have building restrictions on them. There is a possibility of re-builds but this again is costly. Do you have all the necessary support and equipment to carry out your job / training? In total 24 people answered, 18 Yes and 6 No. Comments were: It takes time and effort to get support and equipment If an interpreter is available, sometimes notes are ok I have a support worker who does my running around. Support Yes. Equipment No: I'm a volunteer so have to fund it myself or look for funding from somewhere on my own. Have to do training or justify it to get the equipment.

SECTION (g)
What are the main barriers which prevent you from working or from achieving the training/qualifications you want?

Main Barriers
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Cost Lack of skills Other The benefit trap?

What are the main barriers which prevent you from working or from achieving the training/qualifications you want? 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
16 -2 4 + Ru ra l bl ed 50 Di sa or itie s

The benefit trap? Cost Lack of skills Other

Et hn

ic

M in

S p e c ific B a rrie rs
30 La c k o f re a din g s kills La c k o f IT s kills 25 La c k o f c om m u n ic a tio n s kills La c k o f c on fid en c e 20 La c k o f s pe c ific jo b s kills C o s t o f q ua lific ation / c o u rs e 15 C o s t o f travel C o s t o f c hild c a re 10 C o s t o f c lo the s an d re s ou rc e s N ot ab le to fit in w ith fam ily c o m m itm e n ts 5 E m p loyers n o t w illin g to m a ke th e ne c es s a ry w o rk p la c e a d ju s tm e n ts E ng lis h is n ot m y firs t lan gu ag e

The Pie Charts below show the specific barriers to each target group
16-24

50+

Ethnic Minorities

Disabled

Rural

Key: Lack of reading skills Lack of IT skills Lack of communication skills Lack of confidence Lack of specific job skills Cost of qualification / course Cost of travel Cost of childcare Cost of clothes and resources Not able to fit in with family commitments My partner will not allow me I find that employers are not willing to make the necessary work place adjustments English is not my first language

Cultural Differences One person interviewed felt very isolated, they speak little English and have no family other than a husband and daughter. People call me names and use bad language, people in the town centre and outside the college. Many cultural differences that I must understand before I can obtain other qualifications Language/communication. I feel rejected. Local people reject you when they realise that I am not from this country. One Bangladeshi Muslim stated that awareness is the most important thing of all. She stated that some women from ethnic minority groups do not have the courage to go out. They will simply say I am not allowed. It is good now that social workers are getting access and coming closer to people. One woman from Pakistan found that because she did not attend college or many day/drop in centres she has no information about courses available.

Other All target groups said that they were Worried/frustrated. 50+: No suitable transport to main town centres i.e. Newcastle. 50+ & Rural: Bus services do not fit in with evening lecture times and fear of waiting from lengthy times at bus stops. Ethnic Minorities: Language barrier communicating with people is difficult. I can't apply for jobs or university here because I have to go back to Germany next year to do my National Service. Disabled & Ethnic Minorities: Lack of skills, eg. Specific work skills, English, IT. No actual paper qualifications for the work I do now. Part of it's a perception amongst disabled people. Catch 22 situation. Disabled: Distracted easily due to disability. Accessibility to buildings. Rural: Lack of information from Houghall College. Place of work too far away without sufficient hours.

How do you feel about this? Many people said they were Angry, Annoyed and/or Frustrated.

16-24: I think that everyone should have the same rights. 50+: Not satisfied. Sad. Would like more courses nearer to home. Not very satisfactory but that's the current situation. I believe that all these mentioned would be a barrier to employment for some individuals. 50+ & Disabled Being deaf I am unable to follow conversations or instructions very well. People are impatient if you ask them to repeat as deafness is not an obvious physical disability. Ethnic Minorities: I am not worried about the differences because everybody has their own different culture. My co-workers always try to help me and it try to devote as much time for learning English as I can. My national insurance has been lost, this is no fault of my own, yet I cannot work until it is found. I have been to the social security a number of times for interviews but still not received my number. Disabled: Financial restrictions lead to social exclusion and the inability to take up chances offered. Just deal with it and look at getting help. Not happy - but when looking at ways of dealing with it PCP are helping. Usually feel left out. I think why would an employer take me on when he could get an able bodied person feel employers just employ disabled as 'tick' box. There is Institutional Discrimination in places still and this annoys me as it makes places inaccessible. Annoying that people are categorised because of who they are. Annoyed as due to new regulations people should be changing buildings to make them more accessible. Positive discrimination when getting people back into employment. Why should we be singled out? Rural: The cost of clothes and travel is ridiculous. Not a lot I can do about it but to keep looking for work, I will travel if the job substantiates it. I figure if you want it enough you will get it, its how far you're prepared to go that matters.

Please add any other comments or information which you think may help us in determining the barriers to employment and training. 50+: Training and University. Those who are academic should be helped into further education. Those who are not and are more manually skilled should NOT be pushed into University as this can lead to lack of confidence and failing. If they are good with their hands then this is the trade they should be pushed into. Working full time and caring for my mother plus travelling doesnt allow any time for extra training. 50+ & Rural: Better transport - access limited in rural areas. 50+ & Disabled: Hard of hearing, but this doesn't hold me back as I am confident. Should be more places that accommodate Hard of Hearing people. There is not enough understanding about people who are Hard of Hearing - the public need to have more training/understanding. Disabled: To break barriers is to make all aware of deafness. At present I am working. If I were to change my job I would find the main problem to be travel and confidence. Age discrimination, despite being highly qualified. If you do decide to take to leap what are the consequences, e.g. financial etc. Ethnic Minorities: My husband brings me to the college by car. My daughter attends the crche. I think this is wonderful as it means I can speak to other people. I have been subjected to racial harassment in the college the college supported me and the perpetrator was disciplined. Some places are reserved for British citizens and I have to be a citizen before I can be allowed benefits e.g. council houses. More help with child care costs. Some people do not try to understand other cultures. I need information about further education. Lack of English language. Leaflets more reading as telephone is difficult someone to speak to face to face. More help for carers. Better transport access is limited in rural areas. More information better access to information and make it easy to understand. Rural: Training must provide friendly advice in a non-patronising efficient environment. Ageism is often a barrier. I have 50 year old friends who are unable to get work.

What could be done in order to make the path to employment and training easier? Many people wanted more information about further education and where to access it. People wanted information about working in certain sectors More courses such as Languages (including English) and IT.

16-24 & Rural: People who are training should get more money. It's hard for people in upper Weardale area to gain access easily for training or job opportunities because you have to travel many miles to the nearest college or place of work. If a place of work and/or training became available in that area it would be hard to fund an organisation to make it worth while. The cost would be great and the return would not match it. This is because the people of the dale have worked around this problem and had to travel to get to the nearest college only because they have had they money and own transport. Those that don't end up being stuck and give up on the idea of being trained and/or employed. 50+: More finance should be spent in rural areas to provide better training facilities. Increased publicity of Learn Direct centres and funding. Ethnic Minorities: Learn more about the language and culture of this country. It is very hard for foreigners. Help with money e.g. free pass for bus and supervisor who can help me to enter to the college to apply for the course. Telephone difficult to communicate would like literature / reading and one to one. Disabled: Help with courses actual writing etc. Help with daily things, confidence and voice coaching (PCP). More places like PCP as it is good and helps. Employers monitoring process with awards for best practice. Training for employers and staff at educational establishments (on disabilities, cultural and listen to those who raise issues). More and more suitable jobs for disabled people. More awareness training generally - physical access improving faster than attitudes. Rural: Training initiatives need to be publicised more often and to a wide audience.

5. Findings/Analysis
The barriers identified by the interviews with people from the target groups were confirmed with the information gathered from the training providers themselves. However, the training providers actually identified further barriers (see next section) and it was thought that this was because they had a wider perspective - an overview of all of the barriers whilst the individuals were seeing the barriers from a personal perspective and did not always recognise barriers as such. Many of the following barriers were common to each group: Costs This included costs incurred for courses, clothing, child care and travel and it included the impact of training or employment on benefits. Lack of suitable travel services particularly in rural areas This was a problem for all of the groups and although some colleges/training providers actually provided transport many did not. There was a strong feeling that more courses should be held locally. Lack of accessible information Although available in colleges etc., information on training was not readily available in places such as Ethnic Community Centres, Disability Centres etc. Also, for people with reading difficulties it was felt that there should be further sources where face to face information was available. Lack of child care facilities In addition to more child care facilities, a need for more help with carers generally was identified including more flexibility in course times. Lack of particular courses available Particularly English and IT courses, there was also a need for more vocational courses as well as courses designed to fill the job vacancies and skills shortage in the area. Lack of resources Including help in completing forms, interpreters, equipment etc.

Lack of Expertise within Training Organisations It was acknowledged that there was a lack of in depth knowledge and skills within training organisations when delivering training to specific groups.

Barriers Facing Particular Groups In addition to identifying those barriers common to all groups there was also evidence that some groups were subject to particular barriers: 16 24 Year olds Culture of unemployment which included lack of role models, low self esteem and lack of confidence and motivation. Poor courses on offer, more vocational courses needed. Employers perceptions and expectations. Social and economic depravation. Older Workers It is an ongoing concern that both young and old face barriers due to their age and both groups are vulnerable to discrimination. Findings proved that those who are 50 and over are unable to get work despite being highly qualified and skilled. In support of this finding Spring Personnel and Elizabeth Hunt found that the majority of UK businesses remain reluctant to recruit and employ older workers. Their findings revealed that nearly two thirds (63%) of UK companies are not planning to actively recruit from the over 50 age group. Further research revealed that 80% or people working in the IT industry are under 45. Ethnic Minorities Language identified as a major barrier. Racial prejudice and discrimination was also an issue in some areas. Lack of understanding and awareness of different cultures. Transport. Childcare. Difficult access to information and interpreters. Disability Lack of resources and equipment including interpreters and signers. Special equipment takes to long to acquire. Lack of trainers skills in how to deliver courses to people with special needs. Rural

Lack of transport facilities Difficulty in accessing information about courses Cost Distance Flexible times for courses.

6. Barriers to Learners Identified by Training Providers

(Findings and analysis) The Durham Equality Network is made up of representatives of Durham Learning and Training Providers. The group agreed to assist in the research by taking part in workshops to discuss and identify what they saw as the barriers to training and employment for people from disadvantaged/minority groups. The group identified the following: 16 - 24 Lack of parental guidance. Culture of unemployment. Motivation. Benefit system. Less inclined to work. Choice of courses. Course content not good. Huge jump from Level 1 to Level 2. Lack of progression. There should be more vocational training we need to tailor basic skills to career choices. NVQ system not valued. Lack of training on employers premises. Drugs. Coming out of Comfort Zone. Employers and Training Providers have too high expectations. Employers perceptions. Older Workers Lack of confidence. Transport. Age discrimination. Lack of updated skills. Ethnic Minorities Language and confidence are barriers to learning. Lack of easy to access information. Lack of provision of interpreters. Cultural barriers, for example women from Asian families are often expected to make the family business their main priority. Lack of crche facilities. Lack of women only courses. Lack of local venues and provision of training in the home. Problem of placing Asian women in employment because of both perceived and real family problems. Transport. Lack of suitable clothing some people from particular Ethnic groups wear the same type of clothing in both winter and summer.

Disability Training providers need to increase knowledge and understanding of specific disabilities. For example, to give handouts in a class and centre discussion on those handouts could be a barrier for people with disabilities or visual impairments. This could be overcome by issuing the handouts a week before. This emphasised the need to think about courses before hand and be pro-active rather than reactive to peoples needs. More resources should be available. People From Rural Areas Lack of transport. Child care facilities. Flexible times for courses. Cost. Lack of confidence. Lack of experience. Not up to date with skills. It was agreed that most of the barriers in each group were common to all groups. It was also pointed out that people in work were facing problems with the need for all workers to work towards gaining qualifications. A lot of workers do not wish to achieve qualifications and feel pressure in doing so when they might have been working in the job for years. It was also acknowledged that there was a lack of specific knowledge and training within Training Providers on how to provide and deliver training for specific groups.

7. Conclusions
The Methods of research At the beginning of the project it was decided to carry out the research through structured interviews using a questionnaire particularly designed to identify the barriers to training, education and employment faced by the target groups: 16 24 Year Olds Older Workers Ethnic Minorities People with Disabilities People from Rural Areas Following initial interviews it was decided that the use of a training brief might be useful to present at workshops. It was hoped that this would encourage discussion and provoke thought to help in achieving more information. It was found that the workshop worked in some situations and the brief did stimulate discussion. However, the Equality North East felt they had more success in one to one situations. The Questionnaire Although the questionnaire was piloted and was a useful tool in achieving the desired information, it was found that in collation there were problems of duplicated information and amendments would be made to the questionnaire if used again. Venues for Interviews The venues used for carrying our interviews (Equality North East Access Points and Training Providers listed at the front of this report). Were extremely helpful and accommodating. Equality North East had no problems in achieving the numbers of interviewees required. Workshop with training Providers Equality North East were particularly grateful to The Durham Equality Network who assisted in the research by taking part in a workshop. The information gathered at this workshop confirmed that gathered from the interviewees but added a broader perspective. The Findings Many barriers to training and employment facing people from the target groups were identified. Several of these barriers were common to all groups and some were providing greater problems for specific groups. Training Providers identified more barriers than the groups and it was thought that this was because they had a wider perspective. See previous section for barriers identified.

8. Recommendations
Ensure that all transport service providers work in association with Training Providers including colleges (a suggestion would be to invite transport providers to workshops facilitated by Equality North East). Identify methods of providing more vocational courses linked with the job vacancies and skills shortages in the area. More resources into the provision of information including face to face information. Raise awareness of how and where to access training. Sessions on confidence and self esteem to be incorporated in training programmes. Sessions for trainees on breaking down prejudices and informing them of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Implement ongoing monitoring and measuring procedures to ensure hard to reach groups are being accessed and that training providers and employers are equipped to support them. Benefit claim forms and application forms for courses should be more user friendly. Training Organisations should provide training and support so that their trainers can develop their skills to support the specific needs of the trainees. More equipment and resources for people with disabilities.

9. Appendices
App 1 Questionnaire

CO-FINANCING RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE Name: .. Home Town/ Place of Interview : .... 1 2 Gender Age Male 16-24 50 & Over 3 4 Disabled Yes No Female 25-49

Ethnicity: Please tick the most appropriate box below to describe your ethnic group or origin. WHITE: British Irish Other White ASIAN or ASIAN BRITISH: Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Other Asian BLACK OR BLACK BRITISH: Black Caribbean Black African Other Black MIXED: White & Black Caribbean White & Black African White & Asian Other Mixed

CHINESE OR OTHER ETHNIC GROUP: Chinese Other Ethnic Group These Classifications are as recommended by the Commission for Racial Equality. The information will be collated to ensure the relevance and accessibility of our website. www.equality-ne.co.uk

Section 1
What are you doing at present? How Long For? Employed Self-Employed Unemployed/not working Training Further Education Other How many Hours?

(go to section 3)

Section 2
For Employed, Self Employed, in Training or Further Education Are you happy with the number of hours you do? If no, which of the following applies: I would like to work:Full time Mornings Evenings Afternoons Weekdays Other (please state) Are you restricted in the hours you do for any personal reasons? (eg caring responsibilities, health issues etc.) (If yes, please explain) Yes/No Yes / No

Weekends Term time only Flexible hours Less hours

If you are currently employed are you able to access training?

Yes / No

If yes, are you supported by work?

Yes / No

Would you like to do different Work? (If Yes, go to Section 4)

Yes / No

Section 3
Unemployed Are you Registered Unemployed? Do you want to work? Why? Are there any physical/mental factors which prevent you from working? (If Yes, please explain) Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Are there any personal or domestic reasons which would restrict you from working or restrict the hours you work? (e.g. caring responsibilities, travel issues etc.) (If Yes, please explain) If you are disabled do you think this has any effect on your ability to get a job? (If Yes, Please explain)

Yes / No

Yes / No

NB If you dont want to work please go to section 5.

Section 4
What type of work would you like to do?

Do you need qualifications for this type of work? (If Yes, please explain)

Yes / No / Dont Know

Do you have the required qualifications for this type of work? If Yes, have you found they are accepted? (If No, please explain)

Yes / No Yes / No

Section 5
Further Education & Training Are you currently receiving any training or working towards any qualifications? (If Yes, please explain) Yes / No

If No, would you like to?

A)

Yes / No
(if no go to

If Yes, what would you like to do?

What type of Further Education or Training are you doing?

Will this lead to a qualification? (If Yes, please explain) Would you like to gain some further qualifications? (If Yes, What?) Do you find that access to training is easy? (If No, please explain) Do you know where to go to find out how to gain the necessary training or qualifications? Where? Are you satisfied with the training you are receiving from your provider? If no, please explain

Yes / No

Yes / No

Yes / No

Yes / No

Yes / No

(A) Are there any rules, requirements or personal reasons which make your day more difficult for you than the other trainees/students Yes / No (If yes, please explain)

Do you have any domestic or personal reasons which make training difficult for you? (e.g. caring responsibilities or health issues) Yes / No (If Yes, please explain)

Do you have transport difficulties? (include costs) (If Yes, please explain)

Yes / No

NB: If you have a Disablity please go to Section 6. If you dont have a Disability please got to Section 7.

Section 6
If you have a Disability Do you feel your disability has been a barrier to:A) Finding a job B) Promotion C) Further Education/Training (Please explain)

Is access to your workplace/training centre acceptable? (Please explain) Do you find access to places you visit for work/training acceptable? (Please explain) Do you have all of the necessary support and equipment to carry out your job/training?

Yes / No

Yes / No

Yes / No

(Please explain)

Section 7
Barriers What are the main barriers which prevent you from working or from taking part in training/further education? (tick as many as apply) The benefit trap Could you elaborate? Lack of reading skills Lack of IT skills Lack of communication skills Lack of confidence Lack of specific job skills Cost of qualification / course Cost of travel Cost of childcare Cost of clothes and resources Cost Lack of skills Other

Not able to fit in with family commitments My partner will not allow me I find that employers are not willing to make the necessary work place adjustments. English is not my first language Cultural differences (explain): Other (explain): How do you feel about this?

Please add any other comments or information which you think may help us in determining the barriers to employment and training

What do you think should be done in order to make the path to employment and training easier?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

10. Acknowledgements
Equality North East would like to thank all the Access Points and Training Providers who allowed us to use their centres for our research. We would like to especially thank all those people who took part in the interviews for their time and patients.