Jobcentre Plus Support Contract – ESA/IB Customers

As you will be aware, over the past 9 months PMD have been reviewing and developing the Jobcentre Plus Support Contracts (JCPSC), with the intention of ensuring the provision is fit for purpose for DWP customers, and delivers Value for Money.

In light of the current and forthcoming changes within the Welfare to Work area - the imminent introduction of The Work Programme and the realigning of provision available to support pre-Work Programme activity - DWP Contracted Employment Programmes Delivery Board (CEPDB) has reviewed the existing entry criteria to the JCPSC.

CEPDB have agreed to extend access to the Support Contract to ESA/IB customers. This change will afford Jobcentre Plus additional flexibility to refer DWP customers onto existing Support Contract modules, and give increased opportunities to support customers in gaining employment via the Support Contract.

The extension of access for ESA/IB customers falls within the original scope of the JCPSC Specification. PMD do not expect you to make any changes to existing supply chains or contractual arrangements, and the inclusion of ESA/IB customer referrals to the JCPSC will remain within existing agreed profiles and budgets.

Potential improvements or tailoring of modules which may be required to accommodate ESA/IB customers can be agreed locally with Jobcentre Plus.

If you require further information regarding these changes, please contact your Account Manager or PMD Performance Manager.

Andy Wilson
PMD Provision Group Manager