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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on recent developments in the Workstep programme, with particular reference to (a) achievement of targets for progression to open employment; (b) local authority contribution to capitation payments and (c) the financial health of providers. [104790] Mr. Nicholas Brown: In April 2001, the former Supported Employment Programme was modernised and renamed Workstep to place greater emphasis on developing disabled people and helping them move into mainstream employment where possible. Because of the varying potential of participants to make the transition to open employment, formal targets would not be appropriate. However, providers are encouraged to work towards achieving progression for up to 30 per cent. of all new entrants and 10 per cent. of those recruited under the former supported employment programme. Since April 2001, nearly 3,300 individuals have progressed into open employment. Payments under Workstep are made to providers when participants achieve specific stages within the programme, and a monthly payment is made to providers for all those they support in work. Depending on the nature of the employment within which support is provided, local authorities and other providers may additionally contribute to the costs of the workplace. The amounts paid vary considerably across Workstep providers and across workplaces. The financial health of providers is considered as part of the ongoing monitoring undertaken by Jobcentre Plus of its contractual relationship with providers. The recent extension to Workstep, carried out through a competitive procurement, included a rigorous assessment of financial health for all providers who expressed an interest in the competition.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

402 c918W;402 c916W; 104790

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Disability Employment Employment schemes Standards Workstep

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk