Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 November 2005. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentre Plus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the pilots that have been conducted in the Canvey Job Centre in the last five years.

Answer: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 7 December 2005:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning pilots that have been conducted in Canvey Island Jobcentre Plus during the last five years. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""In answer to your specific question there have been two pilots conducted in Canvey Island Jobcentre Plus in the last five years. These pilots were not exclusive to Canvey Island Jobcentre Plus as they were run in Essex Jobcentre Plus District which covers Canvey Island.""From April 2004 Essex has been one of seven Jobcentre Plus districts delivering the Governments Pathways to Work pilot. The pilot targets help and support at customers claiming Incapacity Benefit by encouraging and promoting work where possible. As a result of the pilot, 1950 customers have been placed in work.""On 31 October 2005 the In Work Credit pilot was launched in Essex. The Credit gives extra help to lone parents, or parents whose partners are in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance, when they start work provided they meet certain criteria. This pilot is expected to run until 30 October 2006."

Secondary information