PhD defence R.M. (Robin) Simonse

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

Why are so many people stuck in long-term unemployment while employers struggle to fill vacancies? This question lies at the heart of the dissertation Disentangling Multidimensional Welfare-to-Work Policy Programmes. The research shows why well-intentioned policies often fall short in practice and what it takes to change that.
For years, policy has focused on getting people into work as quickly as possible. Yet the outflow of long-term benefit recipients remains stubbornly low. The problem is not a lack of effort by municipalities. On the contrary, municipal staff are deeply committed. However, external pressures such as political decisions, budget cuts, reorganisations and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic often disrupt the delivery of support. Employment service delivery is thus a fragile system where policy, practice and societal reality frequently collide.
The dissertation examines a new approach called multidimensional welfare-to-work programmes. These combine traditional support such as training and guidance with efforts to improve the organisation and closer collaboration with employers. Importantly, the research was conducted together with stakeholders. Job seekers, employers and municipal staff were actively involved in identifying obstacles and co-creating solutions.
The key takeaway is that there is no quick fix for long-term unemployment. Effective support depends on tailored solutions, close collaboration between stakeholders, and adaptive governance. Multidimensional programmes hold real promise, but only if they are implemented pragmatically, continuously refined, and developed hand-in-hand with the people involved.