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Mismatch in Local Labour Markets in Central Scotland: The Neglected Role of Demand

Author

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  • John Adams

    (School of Accounting and Economics, Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, UK, j.adams@napier.ac.uk)

  • Malcolm Greig

    (Employment Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BR, UK, m.greig@napier.ac.uk)

  • Ronald W. McQuaid

    (Employment Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BR, UK, r.mcquaid@napier.ac.uk)

Abstract

This paper presents a model of mismatch unemployment in two local labour markets in Scotland. A total of seven possible sources of such unemployment are identified and examined within the context of a predominantly urban area and a mixed urban-rural area. These are contiguous travel-to-work-areas (TTWAs). The paper attempts to identify what causes recruitment difficulties and discusses the extent to which the problem is demand-induced. A survey of employer practices and attitudes is followed up by multiple regression analysis to determine the effect of these practices on vacancy duration. The analysis shows that there are certain recruitment practices and inherent characteristics of employers which result in job offers that are either unattractive or inaccessible to the unemployed. It is argued that design of policy for implementation at the local level needs to take account more explicitly of the demand side of the local labour market than has so far been evident in the UK approach to the skill mismatch issue.

Suggested Citation

  • John Adams & Malcolm Greig & Ronald W. McQuaid, 2002. "Mismatch in Local Labour Markets in Central Scotland: The Neglected Role of Demand," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 39(8), pages 1399-1416, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:39:y:2002:i:8:p:1399-1416
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980220142691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mangan, John & Trendle, Bernard, 2017. "Hard-to-fill vacancies: An analysis of demand side responses in the Australian state of Queensland," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 49-56.
    3. Paul Spoonley, 2008. "Utilising a Demand-led Approach in a Local Labour Market," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 23(1), pages 19-30, February.
    4. Ian Shuttleworth & Peter Tyler & Darren McKinstry, 2005. "Redundancy, Readjustment, and Employability: What Can We Learn from the 2000 Harland & Wolff Redundancy?," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 37(9), pages 1651-1668, September.
    5. Greig, Malcolm Stewart & Lindsay, Colin & McQuaid, Ronald W., 2002. "Delivering job search services in rural labour markets: the role of ICT," ERSA conference papers ersa02p235, European Regional Science Association.
    6. David Devins & Terence Hogarth, 2005. "Employing the Unemployed: Some Case Study Evidence on the Role and Practice of Employers," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(2), pages 245-256, February.
    7. M. J. Andrews & S. Bradley & D. Stott & R. Upward, 2008. "Successful Employer Search? An Empirical Analysis of Vacancy Duration Using Micro Data," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 75(299), pages 455-480, August.

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