Supplementary evidence from the Department of Work and Pensions (WTW0065)

Entry Criteria to Contracted Employment Provision

Work Programme

The Work Programme supports a wide range of different claimants in receipt of different benefits. Participants are assigned to a Payment Group based on a range of characteristics including which benefit they receive, their age and health status. This Payment Group will affect the nature of the participation (mandatory or voluntary) and the point at which they can join the scheme.

Entry points to the Work Programme for mandatory participants are pre-determined. For the largest Payment Group (PG 2 – JSA 25 plus) participants are entered onto the Programme after 12 months. For PG 1 (JSA 18-24 year olds) the entry point is 9 months. Earlier access is granted for other JSA groups where the participant is considered at risk of long term unemployment. For example, prison leavers are given access to the Programme from day one of release or the first date of claim if within 13 weeks of release. Care leavers also have the option to access the Programme early.

Eligible ESA claimants are entered onto the Programme on the date at which the Work Capability Assessment outcome is known.  Participation may be mandatory or voluntary dependent on other factors such as parental responsibilities.         

Work Choice

Work Choice is a voluntary programme for claimants with a disability or health condition. Access to the scheme is not dependent on benefit receipt and is agreed between the participant and Jobcentre advisor. 

Participants must be of working age, resident in the UK, and disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010.  Suitable candidates:

-        experience complex work-related support needs arising primarily from disability;

-        AND have requirements in work which cannot immediately be overcome through workplace adjustments which are required under the Equality Act 2010 and/or by Access to Work support;

-        AND need support in work as well as help with finding work;

-        AND cannot be helped through other DWP programmes;

Specialist Employability Support (SES)

SES focuses of those furthest from the labour market offering support to disabled participants whose needs may not be met through other provision. Access to the scheme is agreed through the Jobcentre and participant.

Eligibility to the scheme is for disabled people who need extra support to develop the skills they need to enter work and meet the following conditions:

-        not in employment;

-        aged 18 years old or over;

-        are disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010;

-        have a disability or health condition that has a significant impact on their current employability; and

-        have employment needs which cannot currently be met by other DWP or non DWP provision, but can be met by SES.

October 2015