Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.
The aim of the research is to investigate the causes of the high claimant unemployment now found in most of Britain's seaside towns. The project examines the validity of explanations based not only on the decline of the traditional tourist base but also on migration patterns, the operation of the benefits system and housing factors such as the availability of privately rented former seaside accommodation suited to some benefit claimants. The extent to which unemployment in seaside towns differs in origin and nature from that found in other blackspots, such as the cities and coalfields, is being given particular attention. The research blends an analysis of aggregate labour market data on jobs, unemployment, economic inactivity, migration, and commuting, covering all the principal seaside towns across Britain, with a survey of non-employed adults of working age in selected towns. The questionnaire contains some elements which are identical to the survey of Economically Inactive and Unemployed Men, 1997-1998 (SN:4078). Subgroups of this survey can be compared to subgroups from the previous survey.
Main Topics:
This dataset is from a survey of just over 1,000 non-employed working age residents in a representative sample of wards across each of 4 seaside towns: Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, Thanet (Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs) and Southport. The fieldwork took place in 2002 with a questionnaire administered via a face-to-face interview lasting 15-30 minutes. All respondents were aged 21-59/64. The data includes information on: current economic status of the respondent; social class/occupation; qualifications; work history; reason for last job ending; job aspirations and job search; perceived obstacles to re-employment; health limitations in respect of ability to work; responsibilities and difficulties with childcare arrangements; housing tenure and previous tenure; length of time in area and reasons for moving to area; benefits status; age and marital status. Also included is the household composition and economic status of other members of the household. Standard Measures Standard Occupational Classifications (major groups 1990); Social Class based on Occupation.
A combination of techniques was used. The four areas opted into the research project to be a case
Face-to-face interview
