Tapping the Reservoir of Skills: Understanding the Impact of English Language Needs and Provision in the Workplace

Commissioned in 2006 by the former Skills for Life Strategy Unit in the DfES, this qualitative study evaluates recent literature on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and collates evidence on ESOL needs and the impact of ESOL provision in the workplace.

After an initial literature review on ESOL needs and provision in the workplace, evidence was collected from a wide variety of employers, sector representatives, policy makers, providers and learners themselves, as well as think tanks and specialist agencies. The responses allowed us to investigate the impact of unmet ESOL needs on business and on individuals, and perceived and actual barriers to providing and participating in workplace learning. We also investigated the impact of ESOL provision and identified examples of effective workplace support and its effects. Finally, we considered the wider implications of ESOL needs and ways of addressing them. Case studies were also sought to disseminate examples of good practice.

Our recommendations include:

• Specific research should be conducted into the ongoing ESOL needs of settled communities and other groups whose needs have attracted little attention – for example, the spouses of recent migrants. These groups are in danger of becoming ‘invisible’ as a result of national concerns with the needs of recent migrants.
• Further in-depth research is needed to provide a clear business case for workplace ESOL provision, particularly with a view to encouraging employer investment in this. This might include more detailed information on the benefits experienced by case study employers from this study, and should include information specific to Small to Medium Enterprises as well as examples from larger companies.
• Specific tailored support should be available for Small to Medium Enterprises, where practical barriers to provision of workplace learning and skills development loom large.
• A much clearer framework for eligibility for public funding for ESOL and other workplace learning provision for both companies and individuals is needed, with well-informed brokers supporting companies while independent IAG workers, Union Learning Representatives and workplace champions offer the same to individuals.
• Nationally, a promotional campaign is required on the ‘bottom line’ incentive for employers to offer workplace training, including ESOL provision. Ideally this should involve high profile business champions, an awards scheme of some kind, (which could be linked with the Skills Pledge), and heightened publicity for good practice.

Download the full report and summary here:
ESOL summary
ESOL full report