Local Exchange Trading Systems: A Solution to the Employment Dilemma?

In: Annals of public and cooperative economics, Band 71, Heft 1, S. 55-78

Abstract

Local exchange trading systems (LETS) are fast becoming a significant socio‐economic phenomenon. It is held that they represent new forms of work which reduce unemployment. The author discusses LETS in the context of three contributions to the future of work to show that LETS are a neglected phenomenon. He then considers whether these proposals on the future of work offer an alternative to the unemployed. The empirical evidence shows a strong bias towards those people in gainful employment and those who are well‐educated and well‐off. In conclusion the author suggests ways in which this bias may be remedied and measures through which LETS may make a practical contribution to the future of work.