ERSA welcomes the publication of the latest Work Programme statistics which show that to date 482,000 people have entered sustained work of at least three to six months through the programme. This means that 32% of jobseeker now completing the scheme have moved into sustained work.
Today’s statistics are made up of thousands of inspirational stories from right across the UK, such Andrew Hardcastle, from Trevetherick, Cornwall, who suffered a breakdown after falling out of work. With help from his employment support provider, Working Links, he began volunteering for the NHS. This helped him to realise that he wanted to work helping those in vulnerable situations and he has now moved into paid work, supporting people with mental health problems.
Kirsty McHugh, ERSA Chief Executive, said:
“The Work Programme is a very high performing programme which has now supported close to half a million people into sustained employment. Behind these high numbers lies a frontline of employment support providers who make a genuine difference to the lives of jobseekers, helping them to overcome often substantial barriers to employment and transform their lives.”