Lessons from America: A Research and Policy Briefing
This paper provides an overview of the methods adopted by the United States in anticipating labour market trends. It explores the benefits of being able to make detailed employment projections and considers the lessons the UK can learn from this.
(PDF, 688 Kb)
(PDF, 688 Kb)
Lessons from America: A Research and Policy Briefing (PDF, 688 Kb)
Published November 2010
Rob Wilson is Professor at the Institute for Employment Research in the University of Warwick and also a member of the UK Commission’s Expert Panel. In this paper, he draws on the methods used in the United States (US) to anticipate labour market trends. The main sources of data and information on employment projections come from the models used by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the Occupational Employment Statistics survey and the O*NET system which is used for identifying skill requirements within occupations.
By drawing on the US experience, Professor Rob Wilson puts forward the lessons the UK can learn from this, and in turn stresses the need for more detailed employment projections to be undertaken. In his view this will not only provide richer information on the labour market which can empower individuals to make the right choices, but also help to identify changing skill demands.
