Pathways to work

Broker_2

This has not come into our area yet. I cannot find anymore information on any further extensions after Oct2006. What are the experiences of anyone here on the forum about these in practice? Have I missed any more announcements by the DWP regarding this? Thanks

healy

They are to be extended to the whole Country by 2008.

Ames

There's the pathways to work as it is now, and then there's the proposed new laws coming into force from April next year (if they become law, but it looks likely they will).

As it stands now (I've been through it), they do periodic reviews where they call you in for an interview. The letter's quite scary, threatening to cut benefits. The actual interview though is fine, it's just a way of finding out if they can help you into work if you want to. They can send you on courses and things to improve your chances of employment when you're able.

The new system under proposal is completely different, there will be enforced sanctions if you don't undertake what the pathways provider (not the jobcentre) considers is back to work related activity. The actual details are really vague, which is scary because it's going through parliament as a law with blanks to be filled in later.

Hope that helps.

healy

If the Welfare Reform bill is passed it will come into effect in 2008 and not 2007.

Ames

Sorry my mistake, my memory had muddled up the date for it to become law (easter 2007) and the date they want it to be in force, which is 2008.