Written question asked by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 26 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 March 2010. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Employment Schemes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when all prime contractors for the new Work Choice contracts will be informed of the outcome of their bid; what recent progress has been made in negotiations with potential Work Choice subcontractors; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 3 March 2010]: Following the completion of the invitation to tender stage of the procurement exercise for this programme, the intention is to notify all those organisations designated as preferred bidders by 5 March. Unsuccessful bidders will be notified during week commencing 15 March.The sourcing team responsible for the procurement of Work Choice will be taking forward post tender discussions with the designated preferred bidders with the intention of agreeing and awarding contracts by 30 April 2010.Although we evaluate the subcontractor supply chains, we do not directly get involved in subcontractor negotiations.

Secondary information