Welfare Reform on the Web (December 2010): Social security - UK - welfare to work
Delivering national objectives through local mechanisms: a view from Scotland
D. Coyne
Working Brief, Sept. 2010, p. 7-8
This article examines some of the issues involved in delivering the coalition government's Work Programme at local level. If the Work Programme is to achieve its aim of reintegrating the long-term unemployed into the labour market it needs to:
- co-ordinate with other services targeted on the same client group, e.g. social housing and addiction services
- take account of the influence of the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
- work to create jobs as well as fill them.
Work just a sliver of time: ministers back jobs scheme
N. Watt
The Guardian, Nov. 15th 2010, p. 1
Disabled people and lone parents face further upheaval to their benefits as an 'ultra-flexible' work system, which allows people to sell their labour in small blocks of time, is placed at the heart of the government's welfare reform. Ministers are examining changes to welfare rules to allow people to sign up for work for as little as two hours per week under the sliver of time initiative.
Work Programme risks and rewards
P. de Pellette
Working Brief, Sept. 2010, p.10-11
The author looks at potential benefits and risks for clients of the new coalition government's Work Programme. The Programme offers a more personalised service and the prospect of moving clients into sustainable employment. Risks include inadequate resourcing, cream skimming by providers, and lack of integration with other services.