What Can We Learn from Disability Enterprises When Thinking About a Job Guarantee Program?
SUMMARY
This research explores what supported employment can teach us about designing an inclusive Job Guarantee, a policy approach where government ensures anyone who wants paid work can access a job at a minimum wage, drawing on 77 interviews with supported employees, staff and partner employers across ten organisations. The findings show supported employment can deliver strong wellbeing benefits through job customisation, meaningful routines, social connection and ongoing support, but also highlight risks such as low pay and limited pathways into mainstream employment.