Private sector employment growth, 1998-2004: a panel analysis of British workplaces

We explore factors affecting workplace survival and growth using nationally representative panel data for the British private sector. We address five policy-relevant questions. First, are young workplaces more vulnerable to closure and low growth than older ‘like’ workplaces? Second, are stand-alone workplaces more vulnerable than those belonging to multi-site firms? Third, do firms’ human capital investments enhance survival and growth prospects? Fourth, do those who innovate go on to be more successful? Fifth, is there any evidence of creative job destruction? We discuss the implications for policy.