05 May 2009 – Publication of DWP working paper no 65: The impact of Pathways to Work on the under 25s
This latest working paper is published today by the Department for Work and Pensions and describes the impact of Pathways to Work (Pathways) on people aged between 18 and 24 at the start of their claim for incapacity benefit (IB) within the original seven pilot areas and the first two groups of expansion areas (those areas where Pathways was introduced in October 2005 and April 2006).
The study was led by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
Key findings from the Paper are as follows:
- Pathways reduced IB receipt among the under 25s in the early months after the start of their claim for IB. There was some evidence to suggest that Pathways was more effective in reducing IB receipt amongst the under 25s than amongst those aged 25 or more.
- There were signs that Pathways encouraged the under 25s to move onto Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in the early months following the start of their claim for IB. However, there was little evidence that this effect was any different for the under 25s compared to those aged 25 or more.
- There was very little evidence that the impact of Pathways on IB or JSA receipt by those under the age of 25 varied by gender.
- Pathways had a stronger impact in reducing IB receipt by those with a mental health condition than for those with other types of health problems. However, there was a much lower likelihood of those with a mental health condition leaving IB unassisted, compared to those with other health problems.
- These findings support the DWP policy of extending mandatory Pathways to under 25s who are existing claimants of IB.
Notes to Editors
- The DWP working paper 65: The impact of Pathways to Work on the under 25s is published today on DWP website.
- Pathways to Work provides extra help for people on incapacity benefits to help them find work.
- The report authors are Helen Bewley and Richard Dorsett of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
- This DWP Working Paper is available at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/wp-index.asp
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