Support for Very Long Term Unemployed Trailblazer

Post Work Programme SupportLincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland

Graham Sheppard Sharon Holmes

Department for Work and Pensions2

Background•Welfare Programme•Understand demographics of long term unemployed claimants•Testing approaches for 2013

–Community Action Programme–Ongoing Caseload Management–Jobcentre Plus Offer ( control group)

Department for Work and Pensions3

The Participants and process

•Pilot coverage is the East Midlands and East Anglia•Claimants completing Flexible New Deal – over 2 years unemployed•12,000 claimants in total•3 months preparation and 6 months on allocated strand

Department for Work and Pensions4

Evaluation aims

• Assess the future approach for claimants returning from Work Programme

• Deterrent effects of the pilot• Employment outcomes• Benefit savings• Socio-economic impact of returning to work

Department for Work and Pensions5

Impact• Mr A – 43 years old, homeless with no work history. We

contacted Housing Aid to support him in getting a bond and a flat. We arranged for him to get a Citizens Card as he had no ID and following on a CSCS card and with added confidence has moved in to employment

• Mr S – on benefit since 2009, very negative attitude to work. We built his confidence, challenged his perceptions and found a suitable Work Trial which has then turned into employment.

• Mrs S – on benefit for 16 years with basic skills and confidence issues. Working with her adviser she has had her first job interview.

Department for Work and Pensions6

Any Questions?