Distance Learning, Telematics and Rural Social Exclusion

ADAPTthroughRATIO (AtR) was established to address social exclusion in the South West of the United Kingdom (Devon, Cornwall and Somerset) which has relatively weak employment opportunities. In this area, average earnings and disposable income are low, and the number of firms going out of business is high (ADAPTthroughRATIO, 1998). The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head in Cornwall is 71.2% of the UK average (and is the lowest in the UK), while 36% of employees are in part-time employment. Part-time work, geographical dislocation and low wages/job security are major problems throughout the rest of the South West region. The region has been affected by the decline of all its traditional industries (mining, farming, fishing and marine-related industries), as well as the reduction of the defence industries and services.