Retraining After Layoffs - Does It Work?

The New York Times ran this article a few weeks back - Retraining Laid-Off Workers, but for What? - by Louis Utichelle who has just written a book on layoffs.

Retraining is touted as the cure-all for the downside of globalization and industry restructuring that is rife today. But this article sheds some light on just how difficult it may be to 'repurpose' people who have spent most of their lives doing one thing to learn something completely different.

Despite the difficulties, retraining must be undertaken and supported by government. It represents an investment in human capital that smart societies must make.