Examines how governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have responded to their national needs during the ten years since policy on employability and skills was devolved, and compares the results with the three northern regions of England, where devolution did not take place. Finds no strong evidence that actions by the devolved governments were responsible for a faster rise in employment rates than in England. Compares labour market and Jobseeker's Allowance claimant trends in Scotland, Wales and the North of England, and suggests that the similarities outweigh the differences.