LABOUR MARKET EQUITY
The nature of work is rapidly changing and some groups fare better than others in this dynamic labour market. Young people often struggle to get a first job and for those who have time out of the labour force it’s often hard to find another job.
Workers in low-paid, insecure jobs frequently move in and out of work or are caught in dead-end jobs. Some groups are unable to get a foothold in work and as a result are effectively locked out of the labour market.
Our research examines the lived experience of labour market disadvantage and analyses secondary data to understand trends. We study pathways into and out of work to identify the factors that help or hinder people to get, keep and advance in employment. We also investigate what is needed to foster inclusive employment and identify useful labour market interventions.
Featured research
SOCIAL PROCUREMENT
For those experiencing labour market disadvantage, finding a decent job is a significant challenge. Our research examines how public and private sector organisations can strategically leverage their procurement expenditure to create employment opportunities for marginalised jobseekers while also achieving economic and environmental objectives.
Current and recent work
MATURE AGE WORKERS
Enhancing employment services for mature-age jobseekers
Existing policy responses to workforce age discrimination tend to focus on the role of employers in providing opportunities for older Australians. This research project by contrast focuses on employment services.
A research summary and three complementary reports have been published.
Working for everyone
The same study has produced a website that contains stories of mature age job seekers, explains how work has changed and provides online tools to support job seeking.
Working longer, staying healthy and keeping productive
By 2060, nearly half of Australians aged 64 or older will be employed. Failure to address their health problems could threaten Australia’s economy, tax base and health and care services.
Understanding and preventing workforce vulnerabilities in midlife and beyond
This study examined mature aged people's lived experience, pathways and outcomes of involuntary non-participation or underparticipation in paid work.
YOUNG PEOPLE
Life Chances study
The latest stage of this unique longitudinal study examines how family income, social class, ethnicity and gender affect the education and employment pathways of young people.
Supporting Transitions to Work
Research associated with the Brotherhood’s delivery of the federally funded Transition to Work program (TtW) will provide new insights about enabling young people to pursue their employment goals.
Youth Unemployment Monitor
The Brotherhood's campaign to address youth unemployment is supported by research snapshots.
WOMEN
Parents and workforce participation
Supporting parents of young children to plan for future employment involves opportunities and challenges.
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