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Employability skills training programmes are an effective means for reducing unemployment rates. Such programmes also have the potential to improve the general well-being (e.g. self-efficacy) of disadvantaged individuals, however, reliable longitudinal evaluations of the psychological benefits of such programmes are limited. The present study evaluated the impact of an employability programme offered to disadvantaged adults in North-West England on self-efficacy. Additionally, the study aimed to identify risk factors for programme disengagement to identify at-risk groups that require further support.

Secondary longitudinal data pertaining to the background characteristics, programme engagement and self-efficacy scores (repeatedly measured on a monthly basis) of 308 programme users were analysed.

Results demonstrated that employability programme engagement significantly increased self-efficacy scores. Additionally, the findings suggested that individuals with mental health and learning difficulties were more likely to disengage from the programme. The findings demonstrate that employability programmes can have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, however, prolonged engagement is needed for which some individuals require further support with.

The present study analysed longitudinal data from a diverse sample of disadvantaged individuals to reliably evaluate psychological outcomes from employability training programmes.

The adoption of proper handwashing behaviour among food handlers could significantly reduce food safety risks and contribute to better public health outcomes, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Training alone may not be adequate to improve food safety behaviour. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to conduct a needs assessment to identify the important variables that could enhance handwashing behaviour among school food handlers.

Using an extended Health Action Model (HAM) as a framework, a survey and direct observation were conducted on a total of 211 food handlers from schools in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The food handlers were assessed on their handwashing knowledge, belief, norm, motivation, habit strength, behavioural intention and behaviour. Data analysis was carried out using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) software (v3.0), followed by the importance performance matrix analysis (IPMA).

Findings revealed that norm and knowledge significantly influenced belief, which ultimately affects the food handlers’ intention to perform handwashing practices (p = 0.001). The IPMA revealed self-efficacy as a priority variable for improving handwashing behaviour.

The study identifies key factors to prioritise for improving handwashing behaviour among school food handlers. This will aid in creating targeted food safety programmes with tailored messages for the intended audience.

Although the use of theoretical framework to predict safe food handling behaviours has received considerable attention in literature, most researchers utilise self-report approach. This paper is the first to use actual observed handwashing behavioural data to model an extended HAM.

• (1)

  Needs assessment using an extended HAM.

• (2)

  Prioritising self-efficacy can improve handwashing practices.

• (3)

  Norm, knowledge and belief influence food handlers’ intention to perform handwashing.

• (4)

  Having the right intention may not necessarily transform into behaviour.

Needs assessment using an extended HAM.

Prioritising self-efficacy can improve handwashing practices.

Norm, knowledge and belief influence food handlers’ intention to perform handwashing.

Having the right intention may not necessarily transform into behaviour.

Food waste constitutes a critical global dilemma, presenting substantial environmental, economic and social challenges, with around one-third of all food intended for human use being discarded annually. This waste depletes essential resources, increases greenhouse gas emissions and intensifies food poverty. Comprehending the factors contributing to food waste is crucial for formulating effective methods to alleviate this issue.

The responses have been collected from Indian households using longitudinal techniques. In Study 1, 481 respondents responded to the questions, and in Study 2, finally, 453 respondents responded.

This study examines the relationship between attitudes about food waste, intents to mitigate waste and several influencing factors like price sensitivity, altruistic behavior, awareness of food waste and societal norms.

The study seeks to elucidate consumer behavior by analyzing these relationships and identify practical interventions that can encourage a more sustainable food consumption approach, thereby aiding in the reduction of food waste and the promotion of responsible consumption practices.