Creating local employment strategies: the cases of North Kent, Sheffield and Lille 1979-1987

This project compares local initiatives undertaken in three areas, North Kent and Sheffield in Britain and Lille in France, during the period 1979-1987. The method adopted is the use of case studies of each area which are then compared. The Study examines the initiatives undertaken in each area and compares them with those expected to be utilised using the Chandler and Lawless model. The model suggests that certain types of authority can be expected to employ specific types of initiatives. The type of authority will be identified in each of the case studies. The work of Goodwin, Bennington, Young, Boddy, Chandler, Lawless and Bovaird are considered in this project, together with many others connected with local employment and its effects on the local community. The study looks at the three authorities in an attempt to determine whether the Chandler and Lawless model is still valid in view of the changes in the economic situation in both Britain and France. The international perspective was added because it is only recently that France has enabled local authorities to take an active part in economic development, thus enabling a fresh comparison with the British system. The study also looks at the extent of the initiatives undertaken. The results suggest that there has been some convergence in the type of initiative undertaken by widely different political authorities. Those on the left of the political spectrum have moved to the right and those on the right have moved towards the centre, although perhaps to a lesser extent. The results also indicate that tourism is fast becoming an initiative which is being expanded in the realisation that it may be a method of increasing employment as well as increasing the prosperity of local businesses. It is also evident that despite the initiatives undertaken in these localities the effects on the level of unemployment have been small. However the increase in co-operation between the private sector and the public sector is noticeable.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

mphil

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Thames Polytechnic

Year dc:date.issued

1988

Author dc:creator

• Reid, Peter J.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Randall, Geoffrey
• Ledgerwood, Grant

• HC Economic History and Conditions
• HD28 Management. Industrial Management

Language dc:language

en