30 April 2009 – Publication of DWP research report 580: Jobseekers Regime test site evaluation: qualitative research

A report is published today by the Department for Work and Pensions which documents findings from research undertaken with Jobcentre Plus staff and customers to explore tests of a revised regime for jobseekers. The revised regime began in April 2008, prior to national implementation of the enhanced Jobseekers Regime and Flexible New Deal (JRFND).

The research explored implementation and delivery of the enhanced Jobseekers Regime in one Jobcentre Plus district and three Jobcentres to understand the impact of the reforms on Jobcentre Plus customers, staff and stakeholders.  Qualitative research was undertaken over a six to eight month period.

Key findings from the research were:

• Many staff thought that the Back to Work Session (BtWS) was the best element of the new regime: they provided a useful forum to remind customers of their requirements to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance but also to help them with their job search.  There was a perception that making them mandatory had a positive impact on customer off-flows.
• Advisers working with customers during stages two and three welcomed the new regime and reported a significant number of sign-offs during stage three of the revised regime.  
• There was some uncertainty about whether the targeted interviews were intended to provide customers with more help or to put additional pressure on those who were not fully meeting their responsibilities.  In practice, advisers used them for both purposes.
• The opportunity to work flexibly with customers was also seen as a positive element of the regime and was welcomed by advisers, to ensure support could be tailored to individuals. Some advisers struggled to take advantage of the regime’s flexibilities, for example, due to a lack of the necessary skills or experience, and not having enough time within the life of the tests for delivery staff to make the required shift in culture.
• Customer views on the regime at three months and six months were more mixed.  On a positive point, several customers thought that advisers were trying very hard to help them to find work, and that the service was better than they had received previously.  Others perceived no difference to the service and did not fully understand the requirements of the regime.
• In sites that were beginning to trial the new Integrated Employment and Skills service, skills screening was becoming much more integrated and formalised into the New Jobseeker Interview.  However, this was less apparent in other sites where it was seen as less of a priority.

Notes to Editors

1. The DWP Research Report ‘Jobseekers Regime Test Site Evaluation: Qualitative Research’ is published on 30 April 2009.
2. This research report explores the implementation and delivery of the enhanced Jobseekers Regime in four Jobcentre Plus test sites, prior to phase one national roll-out, in order to understand the impact of the new regime on Jobcentre Plus customers, staff and stakeholders.
3. Qualitative research was undertaken on each of the test sites over a six to eight month period from April 2008.  The research was carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.  The authors are Anne Bellis, Jane Aston and Sara Dewson.

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