Welfare Reform on the Web (September 2003): Social Security - UK - New Deal

JOBCENTRE PLUS PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE

D. Simmonds

Working Brief, no.147, 2003, p.16-19

The government is expecting improved performance from Jobcentre Plus in return for a large investment. Article argues that the new targets for placing the unemployed in jobs can be met if job centres concentrate on the harder to help.

RECONCEPTUALISING WELFARE-TO-WORK FOR PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OR NEEDS

H. Dean

Social Policy Journal, vol.32, 2003, p.441-459

British welfare-to-work policies have not always succeeded in helping those with multiple problems and needs. Article reports results of a small-scale qualitative study which shows why such clients are unable to engage with the various New Deal schemes:

• some are demoralised and locked into self-blame, attributing their inability to find work to personal failure;
• some are unable to accept or co-operate with authority;
• some have taken refuge in religion, excluding the possibility of earthly help.