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Evaluating the employment impact of a mandatory job search assistance program

Author

Listed:
  • Richard Blundell

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University College London)

  • Monica Costa Dias

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Costas Meghir

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Yale University)

  • John Van Reenen

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Abstract

This paper is an evaluation of the British labor market program the "New Deal for the Young Unemployed" using administrative panel data on individuals between 1982 and 1999. This mandatory program involves extensive job assistance followed by various other options, including wage subsidies. We exploit the differential timing of the introduction of the program across regions as well as age-related eligibility rules to identify the program effect. Estimates of the employment effects of the mandatory job search assistance part of the program are presented using a variety of estimation techniques exploring combined "difference in differences" and matching procedures. Our key finding is that unemployed men are now 20% more likely to gain jobs than prior to the New Deal.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Blundell & Monica Costa Dias & Costas Meghir & John Van Reenen, 2001. "Evaluating the employment impact of a mandatory job search assistance program," IFS Working Papers W01/20, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:01/20
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    File URL: http://www.ifs.org.uk/wps/wp0120.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy

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