In June 2016, M·E·L Research was commissioned by Hammersmith and Fulham Poverty and Workless Commission (HFPWC) to conduct a programme of qualitative in-depth interviews. The HFPWC were particularly interested in understanding the reasons, motivations and emotional state behind high rates of worklessness in a borough, that has a very high overall rate of overall employment and no shortage of part-time and entry level jobs.
Residents that met the following criteria were targeted for in-depth interviews:
The study comprised of the following five stages:
Our study provided invaluable insight for HFPWC into the reasons, motivations and emotional state behind for high rates of worklessness in some parts of the borough. This information alongside, HFPWC’s wider work (e.g. desk research and focus groups) enabled them to formulate recommendations to assist the Council in developing new services and support for the most vulnerable residents in the borough. The findings from the HFPWC’s evaluation (including the findings from our desk research, qualitative interviews and customer journey maps etc) can be accessed using the following link: www.lbhf.gov.uk/sites/default/files/section_attachments/hfpwc-final-report.pdf.