Understanding Occupational Regulation
Understanding Occupational Regulation deepens our understanding of a policy lever which can raise skill levels via the introduction of minimum prescribed skills standards into an occupation or an aspect of it. Taking a predominantly qualitative approach, this report explores the design, implementation and impact of voluntary and mandatory occupational regulation in the UK.
Evidence Report 67: Understanding Occupational Regulation
(PDF, 1.4 Mb)
Published March 2013
Occupational regulation is a policy mechanism which can raise skill levels via the introduction of minimum prescribed skills standards into an occupation or an aspect of it. Previous research published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills suggests that occupational regulation, in certain forms, is one means by which workforce skills in the UK can be improved. It can do this by providing incentives for individuals or firms to invest in human capital, specific to the occupation they operate in, thereby raising skill levels. Whilst there is evidence of the positive effects of introducing occupational regulation (which increase in likelihood the stricter the form of regulation applied) there is little information on schema design or the motivations for their introduction or amendment. This report addresses some of these gaps.
The Institute for Employment Studies explores this through a series of ten case studies of occupational regulation schemes. Covering mandatory and voluntary occupational regulation the case studies reflect a variety of different rationales for establishing regulation, covering a varied geographical and sectoral focus, as well as different kinds of jobs and different skill levels. Via a mainly qualitative approach, the report explores the rationale, characteristics, and impact of occupational regulation. It also provides useful schematic pointers to those seeking to design and implement forms of occupational regulation.
