This study will analyse the multiple factors leading to long-term unemployment amongst vulnerable groups at the local level and review local measures put in place to support labour market integration and local partnerships working to tackle this issue.

The activity will identify and analyse area-based strategies which assist the long-term unemployed in re-entering the labour market, the relative advantages and disadvantages of targeted approaches, and the role innovative financing mechanisms can play.

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Area-based approaches: High levels of long-term unemployment amongst the most vulnerable group in society are often concentrated in particular communities, particularly those with significant levels of deprivation. In such communities, complex issues can combine to produce multiple-disadvantages on the labour market. Comparative analysis of area-based approaches in different OECD Members will highlight common lessons to be learned, and provide fresh insights and approach models.

Targeting policy interventions: Those who are long-term unemployed and from vulnerable groups are from diverse backgrounds and have different needs. As such, there is no ‘one size fits all’ policy response which can tackle the contributing factors leading to their long-term unemployment and, consequently, it has to be ascertained which set of policy intervention tools are more suitable in varying circumstances.

Towards innovative financing for inclusion: In the context of the recent economic downturn, what innovative mechanisms are there to finance support for long-term unemployed people getting back into the labour market? A critical aspect of this study will be to examine how financial incentives for organisations can be created to get the longer-term unemployed back into work, and how innovative sources of financing can be best exploited.

Analysing the findings of the reviews on , Boosting local entrepreneurship and enterprise creation and Delivering local development.

Commissioning a series of local case studies which examine approaches used to tackle long-term unemployment.

Holding two or more expert seminars based around the three key themes, and using the case study research as an important evidence base.

Holding roundtables at the local level with a review group of international experts in case study areas on the request of individual countries or LEED partners.

National workshops, seminars and roundtables to be held in countries interested in participating.

A report on tackling long-term unemployment amongst vulnerable groups.