Department for Work and Pensions

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

We are now in year 8 of the Work Programme. We have seen major welfare reforms introduced over the last 7 years which include Universal Credits and claimant commitment.

We work closely with our customers to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to deal with the new regime and support sustainable employment. We are responsible as a subcontractor for the Walsall area engaging with customers for People Plus and In-Training/Newcastle College (managed by 3SC).

DWP

Long-term unemployment is damaging to individuals and communities, it affects mental and physical health and holds back economic growth. The NHS and government spend a lot of money in dealing with health and employment matters most of which is spent on preventable health strategies.

We want to help people into work and make sure that work pays. In return, people currently claiming “out-of-work” benefits are positively encouraged to take opportunities available to them to move off benefits and into work.

Out of work older people can find it more difficult to get a job and they are more likely than younger people to remain unemployed for longer.

The Work Programme provides personalised support for claimants who need more help looking for and staying in work. Service providers have freedom to decide how best to support Work Programme participants while meeting minimum standards for delivering the service.

This is a major change in the way we help people look for and take up employment the UK. The Government has created a structure that treats people as individuals and allows providers greater freedom to tailor the right support to the individual needs of each claimant.

Steps to Work have been delivering the Work Programme since 2011 and will continue to do as contracted under the Department of Work and Pensions to 2017 with a 2 year follow on.

The Work Programme also gives value for money for the taxpayer by basing payments to providers on the results they achieve.

The Work Programme is currently part funded by the European Social Fund.