Press release

Voluntary Sector Robust in the Work Programme

Twenty per cent of people referred to the Work Programme are getting support from the voluntary sector.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Minister for Employment Chris Grayling today welcomed initial estimates from Work Programme providers which show twenty per cent of people referred to the Work Programme are receiving support from the voluntary sector.

Voluntary sector organisations are an integral part of the Government’s Work Programme providing specialised support to unemployed people some of whom have very complex needs.

This support can be anything from helping someone beat a substance addiction, overcome homelessness or manage a health condition.

Latest projections show over 650,000 people will be referred to the Work Programme as a whole in 2011/12.

Minister for Employment Chris Grayling said:

It is still early days, but I am encouraged to see there are people receiving the specialist help they need from the Work Programme.

These organisations provide a vital service helping us give people the tailored support they need to get into employment. They bring with them specialised skills and expertise to help some of the most vulnerable unemployed people find sustainable jobs.

The global economic situation continues to have an impact on the UK’s economy but I am confident we have the right support in place to help people through this difficult time, whatever their individual circumstances may be.

Notes to Editors:

  1. The figures are published here: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=adhoc_analysis
  2. The list of subcontractors broken down by sector is published here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-supply-chains.pdf
Published 13 December 2011