Activation and integration: Working with individual action plans

Abstract

"Individual action plans (IAPs) are an instrument used by employment services to activate jobseekers. They are used by case workers to define the individual goal of the counselling and integration process and to control the agreed activities. Almost all EU countries have established some sort of IAP. We draw on current practices and processes around IAPs like timing and frequency of intensive interviews as well as follow-up in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. The country review shows that practices around IAPs are getting more and more aligned. The early set up of IAPs is a common feature in the surveyed countries as well as the use of regular follow up interviews to monitor job search efforts indicating a 'work-first' approach. Drawing on recent evaluation results we identified several IAP elements exerting a significant influence on the reintegration success. There is empirical evidence that lower caseloads, an increase in the frequency of contacts or a consequent monitoring and sanction regime have positive effects on job finding rates. However, results depend very much on client profiles and their distance to the labour market. They also depend on the objectives of activation policies. The experience of high number of 'repeaters' of benefit claims not able to find sustainable employment in many countries indicates that there might be a trade-off between rapid placements as opposed to placements in more sustainable employment. There is no silver bullet nor a-one-size-fits all approach with respect to core IAP elements like monitoring and sanctions. Research evidence suggests that monitoring and sanctions or an intensive contact regime are important to 'activate' jobseekers. They have a sizeable impact on fast re-integration. But to achieve higher job stability the counselling element of meetings is probably more important than the monitoring element. Although it is not possible to identify a clear 'best country example' research findings and country experiences induce some lessons worth being considered for the wider PES delivery." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Konle-Seidl, R. (2012): Activation and integration: Working with individual action plans. Monitoring and follow-up of IAPs and their outcomes in selected EU countries. Brüssel, 18 p.