Research and analysis

What works to support disadvantaged groups towards employment?

This report presents findings from a systematic review on what works to support disadvantaged groups move towards and into employment.

Documents

What works to support disadvantaged groups towards employment? - Research summary

What works to support disadvantaged groups towards employment - Research report

What works to support disadvantaged groups towards employment? - Technical report

Details

Research background  

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) commissioned this systematic review to understand what works to support the following groups towards employment: care leavers, ex-offenders, people experiencing homelessness, and people with substance misuse issues. These groups have lower employment rates and often experience additional barriers and disadvantage in accessing the labour market. The Get Britain Working white paper sets out an ambition of an 80% employment rate; to achieve this will involve supporting people with more complex needs into work. 

Contribution to the evidence base   

People from disadvantaged groups with complex needs are less likely to be in employment, but the evidence on how best to support them into employment is less clear and often focuses on a single population group. This review brings the evidence together, providing an overview of effective interventions, to better understand what works.  

Research value  

Findings from this review will be used by DWP and across government to inform policy development for these groups.

Updates to this page

Published 17 July 2025

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