Latest statistics show the Work Programme is motoring - ERSA

ERSA welcomes the latest Government statistics on the Work Programme which show that over 450,000 people have now entered sustained work since the programme began in June 2011 until June 2015.

These figures follow ERSA’s new Job Start statistics released yesterday, which found that overall the Work Programme has supported over 731,000 previously long term unemployed jobseekers into the workplace.

Key findings from the Job Outcome statistics include:

• 459,370 jobseekers have reached the Job Outcome point on the Work Programme. In total, 1,757,540 jobseekers have been referred to the scheme.
• Of these, 107,320 jobseekers in the 18-24 payment groups have reached the Job Outcome point.
• The Job Outcome figure for jobseekers on all ESA groups is now 30,700.

Welcoming today’s Job Outcome figures, Kirsty McHugh, ERSA Chief Executive, said:

‘The Work Programme is motoring. Approaching three quarters of a million long term unemployed jobseekers have now found work on the scheme, with over 450,000 now in sustained work. These figures are set to grow, showing that good quality employment support changes lives.’

Ends

Press enquiries should be directed to Sam Windett 07720677477 /sam.windett@ersa.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

1. The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) is the representative body for those delivering or with an interest in employment support services. ERSA’s membership spans the private, voluntary and public sectors and ranges from large multi-nationals through to small specialist charities. It has over 200 members, including all prime contractors of the Work Programme. The majority of its members are not for profit.
2. The Work Programme is the government’s largest back to work scheme and caters for the most disadvantaged jobseekers in the labour market. Further information about how the programme operates, including the financial model, is available in this Policy Briefing on ERSA’s website.
3. The Government’s full Work Programmes statistical summary data to 30 June 2015 is available here.
4. Europe Economics report, The Economic Impact of the Work Programme can be downloaded here.
6. Case studies of former jobseekers, frontline providers and employers are available on ERSA’s website. Interviews with ERSA’s Chief Executive Kirsty McHugh are available on request.