Category: Radio 4
Date: 27.03.2006
Printable version
Twelve months after the closure of Rover new research shows that, out of a sample of close to 300 former workers, nearly half of those who have found new employment think that their current job is worse than Rover.
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The research carried out by the Work Foundation for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.
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It suggests that the danger for the predominantly low-skilled MG Rover workforce is that they are being forced to accept poorly paid jobs at the bottom of the hourglass, and therefore many of the former employees have not and will not be able to find 'good jobs' and will be forced to accept 'bad ones'.
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The findings also suggest that those who have found new employment are worse off than they were at Rover by an average of Β£3,523 a year.
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In contrast, however, 40% of those who have become self employed are working in a completely new role from that of Rover, and all say that they are earning more by an average of Β£5,941 a year.
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The Work Foundation research was undertaken for Life After Rover (Radio 4, Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 March, 11.00am).
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The three-part series follows the fortunes of more than 6,000 men and women who were forced back into the labour market after the closure of Rover last year.
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Kathy Armstrong from The Work Foundation, and author of the report, says: "This unique in-depth longitudinal study has tracked both the employment status of the workers, and the take-up of Task Force initiatives as well as the impact the closure on the individual workers, their families and the local community.
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"It is clear from our findings that the Government's response to this crisis will be ongoing.
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"Continued investment is needed in supporting MG Rover's former workforce in their job search activity, in catering for likely increases in demand for local health services and in upskilling those still unemployed or under-employed."
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The research suggests that a third of the ex-Rover staff are still out of work and looking for a job.
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Kathy Armstrong says: "A small minority of these workers may join the ranks of the long-term unemployed or withdraw from the labour force permanently.
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"However, this continuing worklessness is likely to have long-lasting negative effects on the health and well-being of these workers."
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The research also suggests the closure of Rover has had an impact on the former workers' health and wellbeing, irrespective of their current employment status.
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The ex-employees rate their health as significantly poorer compared to 12 months previously - prior to the factory's closure.
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A report outlining the results of the research will be available on The Work Foundation website - www.theworkfoundation.com - from today (Monday 27 March).
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Notes to Editors
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Please note any copy should credit Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4's Life After Rover programme.
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SB2
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