Work

New Governance and the Case of Activation Policies: Comparing Experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: This article explores the importance of new forms of governance in active labour market policies (activation) in two countries: Denmark and the Netherlands. Drawing on research with key stakeholders in these countries, we analyse how new governance, and particularly processes of contracting‐out and localization, have found expression in recent reforms to activation. We conclude that localization and contracting‐out may have a future role to play in the development of more locally responsive and individually focused services. But both countries have encountered problems in promoting joined‐up services through local jobcentres, while contracting‐out has not always led to the tailored, individually focused services envisaged by policy‐makers. In both countries, there are also concerns that the restriction of the Public Employment Service to a ‘gatekeeping and signposting’ role will lead to inconsistencies in the quality of services, exposing the most disadvantaged to greater social risk.

Source: Social Policy and Administration

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9515.2009.00673.x

Authors: Colin Lindsay, Ronald W. McQuaid

Institution: Edinburgh Napier University

Language: English

Topic: Public Policy and Administration Research

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland