Futurework looks at how arts institutes can generate work.

Emma Nicholson presents the programme futurework, a panel show focusing on employment by way of the Beaford Arts Centre. Several people discuss the schemes and how they have benefited from them. Including Graham Turner, Julian Barnicoat, Gianii Scoz, Tom Tucker, Ivor Gawman, Darren Halfyard, and Jennifer Stevens. The studio panel then discuss the future of the unemployed. Steve Keable also presents a piece focusing on Ilfracombe's local jobs for local people. Here Mike Creek, Arthur Pearce, John Crosby, Vanessa Whipp, Nigel Melville and Paulina Burchell voice their opinions on the recent wave of unemployment the training schemes available and the reducing living conditions some in the area are facing.

The 1981 recession was a period of economic volatility. Due to the government at the time forcing the economy from a manufacturing to a service based economy, the manufacturing sector was hit particularly hard. The surge in unemployment was also caused by an increase in oil prices, wage push inflation and high inflation expectations.