'...this empirically detailed and theoretically stimulating work ought to be required reading for employment ministers and their civil servants who talk glibly of 'welfare dependency' and 'activating' the 'workless'. But it is, perhaps, the type of evidence that would make them uncomfortable.' Stephen Clayton, University of Liverpool "This book contains important evidence and relevant conclusions, and everyone interested in labour market participation should read it." Citizen's Income Newsletter "This excellent book shows how it is race, gender, disability, sexuality and particularly class that shape lives. It offers the reader a wide spectrum of knowledge and understanding of labour market access issues, while, importantly, challenging the government's position on how 'employability' can be achieved." Dr Sonia McKay, Working Lives Research Institute, London Metropolitan University "Superbly informed by eight detailed and fascinating case studies, this is an excellent and lucid critique of the government's approach to labour market integration, and a major contribution to the debate about what needs to be done to tackle inequality and discrimination in modern British society." Professor Keith Ewing, Institute of Employment Rights