Nickson, D., Warhurst, Christopher, Commander, J., Hurrell, S. A. and Cullen, A. M. (2012) Soft skills and employability : evidence from UK retail. Economic and Industrial Democracy, Volume 33 (Number 1). pp. 65-84. doi:10.1177/0143831X11427589

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Abstract

This article contributes to ongoing debates about soft skills in front-line interactive service work in considering employability in the UK retail sector. It recognizes how UK government policy has emphasized the importance of qualifications in enhancing employability. However, it suggests that for front-line work in retail it is soft skills that are required to access entry-level jobs. The article notes how these soft skills have traditionally been dominated by debates about emotional labour. Drawing on a survey of 173 clothing, footwear and leather goods retailers, the article argues for a need to recognize the broadening of soft skills to also include aesthetic labour. The article concludes by discussing the implications of the broadening of soft skills with regard to policy initiatives to encourage the long-term unemployed into the retail sector.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Institute for Employment Research
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Employability , Retail trade -- Employees , Entry-level employment, Hard-core unemployed
Journal or Publication Title:	Economic and Industrial Democracy
Publisher:	Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:	0143-831X
Official Date:	February 2012
Dates:	Date Event February 2012 Published
Volume:	Volume 33
Number:	Number 1
Page Range:	pp. 65-84
DOI:	10.1177/0143831X11427589
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Nuffield Foundation (NF)

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