An exploration of skill as an issue in unemployment and employment

Technological advancement has created drastic effects on the structure of paid employment. Over the last 20 years there has been a gradual decline in the actual number of full time employment positions and indications are that any increases in the job market will be in the lower end, part-time, short-term employment. As paid employment can be seen as one resource through which human needs can be met, the implications of this are very important for those interested in human occupation and well-being. Skill utilization appears to be an issue in understanding why some work is psychologically beneficial while other work may be just as deleterious as unemployment. This paper seeks to clarify the concept of skill in the work place and its implications for social policy planning for the unemployed. It will be suggested that an occupational understanding of skill which encompasses the interaction between the person and the environment is required in the planning of programs for the unemployed.