Written question asked by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 1 July 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 July 2013. It was answered by Mark Hoban (Conservative) on Friday, 5 July 2013 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Work Programme

Question: (2) in which Work programme contract package areas market shift will be taking place as a result of providers' underperformance.

Answer: [holding answer 4 July 2013]: The market share shift mechanism will operate in all contract package areas where there is a gap of three percentage points or more between the higher and lower performing prime providers, provided the higher performer has achieved the required standards in assurance reviews and has achieved accreditation in the Merlin Standard for supply chain management. The mechanism will apply whether or not minimum performance levels have been achieved. This will ensure that there is continued competition to drive up overall performance.

Secondary information