14 January 2010 – Publication of DWP research report 622: WORKSTEP customer survey
The report published today by the Department for Work and Pensions presents the findings from a mixed methods quantitative and qualitative piece of research to evaluate the customer experience of WORKSTEP. The study was conducted by the Centre for Public Policy, Northumbria University, and involved a two phased approach. Phase one involved the collection of quantitative profile information on a large sample of WORKSTEP customers and phase two involved a smaller scale qualitative survey of WORKSTEP customers.
- Key findings from the report are as follows:
- The majority of WORKSTEP customer and survey participants are Male and the largest ‘disability group’ participating in the programme are those with a learning disability
- The majority of survey participants were employed via supported placements (60%), with around 25% being employed in a supported business
- Support received varied, mostly due to tailoring to customer needs, with additional personal and social support often being experienced
- The majority of survey participants reported being satisfied with the WORKSTEP support and their work situation
- Knowledge of the programme’s aim of progression into unsupported employment was limited and the intentions of participants regarding progression into unsupported employment varied
Notes to Editors
- WORKSTEP is part of a broad range of programmes and schemes funded and managed by DWP, which aim to help disabled people find and retain work. These programmes are delivered in a range of organisations in the public, private and not for profit sector. WORKSTEP customers work either in the open labour market, via supported placements with mainstream employees, or within supported businesses established to employ disabled people. WORKSTEP aims to help people progress to unsupported employment where this is the right option for them.
- DWP research report 622: WORKSTEP customer survey is published today on the DWP website. The report authors are Ann Purvis, Rebecca Law, and James Lowrey. The report is based on a large quantitative questionnaire as well as a smaller scale qualitative survey, both with WORKSTEP customers.
- This report was carried out by the Centre for Public Policy, Northumbria University.
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