Overview
The introduction of the Work Programme represents one of the most significant changes to the welfare-to-work system in recent times. It will replace all centrally commissioned employment related support with a single service where long term unemployed clients will be supported by large scale private sector providers and their networks. Work Programme contracts emphasise outcome related payments to foster competition between providers. In parallel, the stringent budgets cuts which local authorities are facing and the termination of previous funding sources, such as Working Neighbourhoods Fund, means that the role of local authorities in this new landscape may be considerably diminished.
CLF Reaction
Supported by Capital Ambition, London Councils and the London Development Agency, CLF has commissioned Westminster City and Southwark Councils to provide consultancy supported during the Work Programme transition period (July 2010 to March 2011).
The consultancy project has three target outcomes:
1. To identify what opportunities exist for local authorities and sub regional partners to increase sustainable employment outcomes for their residents within the new financial and policy landscape.
2. To build the capacity of the central London sub-region to use resources more effectively and in a more joined-up approach to achieve sustainable jobs for residents within the new financial and policy landscape.
3. To distil the lessons learnt and best practise into two short and accessible reports that can be shared/replicated across London Boroughs/sub regions and can positively inform a London wide approach/LSEB strategy.
Reports
The consultants will produce three reports to support CLF boroughs through the Work Programme transition. You can download these below:
Report 1
This report analyses and summarises the policy context of changes in the welfare-to-work system and pinpoints areas where local authorities could exert their influence. The report also cites case studies from Europe where more joined-up, multi-agency approaches to tackling worklessness have been successfully implemented.
Download the report (780kb).
Report 2
The second report focuses on practical steps which boroughs can take to maximise opportunities for their residents by, for example, building capacity in their local provider networks and exploring ways to capitalise on Jobcentre Plus’ Get Britain Working programme. The report also incorporates a more holistic analysis of the welfare system and draws attention to the future impact of the Universal Credit system.
Download the report (930kb)
