From today Jobcentre Plus advisers can refer jobseekers that need additional support to get back to work onto mandatory work activity.
Where advisers believe a jobseeker will benefit from experiencing the habits and routines of working life, they have the power to refer them to a four week placement.
This could be in a wide range of roles, including doing maintenance work for housing residents, renovating and recycling old furniture, working in a local sports club or supporting charitable organisations.
The scheme, which will be delivered by a range of organisations from the private, voluntary and third sector has now started in London, the East and Yorkshire & the Humber and will be available throughout the country by the beginning of June.
Every work placement will offer the jobseeker the opportunity to gain fundamental work disciplines and will be of benefit to the local community. Participants will be expected to spend up to 30 hours a week, for 4 weeks, on their Work Activity placement and will be required to continue to look for work.
Minister for Employment Chris Grayling said:
“If Jobcentre Plus advisers believe a jobseeker would benefit from getting some experience of the work environment they can now refer them onto a work activity placement. These placements are all about getting people into a working routine if they need an additional push to get into employment.
“This is beneficial to some jobseekers as it will allow them to develop more of a ‘work orientated mindset’ but it also makes them a much more appealing prospect for an employer looking to fill a vacancy, and more confident when they enter the workplace. We are determined to break the habit of worklessness and get those who can work into jobs.”
Customers who fail to complete a placement without good cause will lose their Jobseeker’s Allowance for a minimum of 3 months.
Source : Department for Work and Pensions
