Can the Work Programme succeed?

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Wednesday 28 November 2012

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Official figures this week show that the Work Programme has missed its main target for getting people sustained jobs - only 3.53% of people on the programme have found a job for 6 months or more (the coalition's target was 5.5%).

The programme provides tailored support for claimants who need more help to undertake active and effective job-seeking. Joining the work programme is mandatory for people aged over 25 when they have been out of work for a year and for under-25s after 9 months.

Critics say that the scheme, which has cost £412 million so far, is failing to deliver economic growth and that it leads people into a cycle of short-term, part-time roles. However, the Government is still confident that the initiative is “good value” for the taxpayer and will help 2.4 million people back into work over a 5 year period.

At NCFE, we’ve supported the Work Programme and have seen many individual successes with the training providers we work with who are managing to lead learners into employment. We’re also supporting the scheme through related initiatives such as our Pathways to Employability portfolio of qualifications and the innovative REED NCFE Partnership. However, we want to ensure that this ambitious programme meets its potential.

What do you think? Can the Work Programme deliver results? What’s the answer?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

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Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

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