Publication of DWP research report 500: Mandating the Intensive Activity Period for jobseekers aged 50+: final report of the quantitative evaluation
Research published today shows that including jobseekers aged 50 and over within the Intense Activity Period resulted in a reduction in unemployment among participants.
The Intensive Activity Period is part of New Deal 25+ which gives increased assistance to jobseekers, including access to training or work experience. It lasts for 13 weeks, but can be extended to 26 weeks. Prior to the pilot described in the report, the Intensive Activity Period was mandatory for jobseekers aged 25 to 49 and voluntary for jobseekers aged 50 to 59. The pilot for enabling jobseekers aged 50 and over to take part in the Intensive Activity Period was carried out from April 2004 in 14 Jobcentre Plus districts. Individuals eligible for the pilot were randomly assigned to either an action group or a control group.
Extending the Intensive Activity Period to include 50 to 59 year olds reduced the average number of days for which jobseekers claimed JSA by 49, increased the average number of days in employment by 25 and increased the number of days claiming Incapacity Benefit by 15 days over a two year period. The increase in the chances of jobseekers claiming Incapacity Benefit was relatively small and limited to the first year.
Notes to editors:
- The DWP research report: Mandating Intensive Activity Period for jobseekers aged 50+: final report of the quantitative evaluation is published on 3rd June 2008.
- Mandating the Intensive Activity Period of New Deal 25+ for 50 to 59 year olds was rolled out nationally from June 2007.
- The analysis was undertaken by the Policy Studies Institute. The report’s authors are Richard Dorsett and Deborah Smeaton.
Prepared by: Department for Work and Pensions Welfare to Work Directorate
