Work Programme... Need advice please

dandelionclock30

I still dont think it will make much difference because the problem lies with the economic crisis in this country.Competition for jobs is running at 70-100 plus per post. I think the only difference it will make is fiddling the true numbers of unemployed as those on the work programme will not be counted in the figures.
It also gives the providers money and their staff a job.
Two people I know went on one of these courses last year and they had them doing all sorts of rubbish such as making paper planes etc.
One of the men was a master builder and couldnt get work because nothing was going not because he couldnt fill in a form etc.

Seabadger

External factors are going to be hugely problematic, not just for individuals but also for the WP providers; their performance targets (and thus their income projection) were set in late 2010, when the assumption was that things would look rather different than they do today. DWP have stated repeatedly that they won't renegotiate (although there are fudges around this e.g. MoJ additional offer), so they're in a difficult position already.

In terms of last year, the WP was implemented in June 2011, so different programme. End result may be the same, of course.

People on the WP still will be counted as unemployed, by the way, as they'll still be on out of work benefits.

dandelionclock30

You seem to know a lot about this, do you work for the DWP?
The Government know that this scheme will not work as you dont have to be the brain of Britain to realise and they are advised by economists and their think tanks.So there is no way they dont know that this cant work. So its hypocracy really.
If its payment by results these providers are going to end up in the hands of the receivers.

Seabadger

I work for a national charity with a remit to try to drive engagement of the voluntary sector in the WP, so whilst I do a lot of work with DWP, I don't work for them.

If its payment by results these providers are going to end up in the hands of the receivers.

Absolutely - I'd go as far as to say that that's very much anticipated, which is one of the reasons for having more than one Prime per CPA (the other being competition). The only questions are how many, how soon, and which ones.

dandelionclock30

So what are the voluntary sector going to offer then? Placements- but most places have their own volunteers or are they going to be helping out with training etc for payment? to boost their own income? If its dodgy they wont want to be associated with it as it will affect their reputation!

Seabadger

They're being paid to deliver a service (well, the ones who are - few and far between) - it's difficult to generalise about what they can or will be doing as there are 18 Primes who have subcontracted to hundreds of organisations - they are inherently commercial relationships, although not massive revenue generators for the most part. In effect, the voluntary sector is supposed to provide a specialist element that the mainstream and mostly commercial Primes can't, although the reality is that many of them aren't being used. It's been a pretty disappointing experience for the voluntary sector so far, although much of the blame for that can be laid at the door of DWP, who massively over-sold the WP as at least a partial answer to the cuts elsewhere.

DCFC79

Chrisw123 wrote: »

Yes, I have been on JSA for a year.

It is temporary for over the Christmas period.

Will they contact my employer? As Id rather they didnt know I have been unemployed for a year.

Thanks.

why not, my employer knows ive been out of work as my p45(or whatever form i gave them) had details of the job centre plus on the web based application form i had put i was out of work since march.

LadyMissA

Seabadger wrote: »

J the Work Programme is separate from Mandatory Work Activity, which people are referred to at the discretion of JCP.

It's compulsory

Seabadger

Well, it's mandatory for most people, voluntary for others (depends on benefit type and other circumstances). Once on the WP, it's compulsory to remain engaged. It is, however, entirely separate from Mandatory Work Activity - different programme, different providers, different referral route, different aims etc.

LadyMissA

bobajob_1966 wrote: »

Some areas have overlapping coverage.

That may be the case as they bid to be the providers in the area you live so depends where the JC send you but you can't choose!