DWP

Interview with Employment Minister Jim Knight MP

Yesterday I met with Jim Knight MP in Parliament to talk about a number of topics surrounding the welfare to work industry. A very pleasant, well-informed and open interviewee, the Employment Minister found time to answer a number of questions put to him by readers of Indus Delta. The following is not in direct quote form, but a summary of what the Minister had to say on each topic.

What would you ask Employment Minister, Jim Knight MP?

Update: Wed 6th January - I'm going to be interviewing Employment Minister, Jim Knight MP later today, and was just wondering if there are any (sensible!) burning questions you think would be worth asking, or topics worth any elaboration at all?

If you do, then please just post them as part of this discussion.

Remploy's WORKSTEP delivery

Before Christmas I went to visit Remploy's Waterloo branch, where they deliver WORKSTEP. The organisation has changed and branched out a lot in the last few years, and it was interesting to see their welfare to work side in action first hand

Customer charters

Further to the recent article about the launch of ERSA's customer charter, I've taken some time to look at three key charters that have come into force in recent weeks. These are ERSA's, the DWP's, and Edinburgh’s Joined Up For Jobs Partnership (JUFJ).

DWP White Paper - 'Building Britain’s Recovery'

Updated 17/12 - DWP published their White Paper on Tuesday, aimed at 'Building Britain's Recovery: Achieving Full Employment'. I've had a good read through, and would defnitely recommend reading the summary which is here, as it really is full of content. The summary below is made up of useful excerpts I've picked out from the White Paper, including a bit of background to set out what the Bill is being based on.

Overall, there are a lot of reforms set out here, including more information on skills accounts, 'better off in work' credit, and additional plans to tackle youth unemployment. There is also a lot in there for working families, lone parents, carers, and people with disabilities. This White Paper is by no means a short-term plan to fend off the recession, but outlines reform in all key areas - more powers to Jobcentre Plus staff, Housing Benefit reform, a review of Pathways to Work, and an aim to work back up towards full employment.

As it happened - the Pre-Budget Report and welfare to work

The Chancellor of the Exchequer just announced the Pre-Budget Report, and I've be updating this story with news and analysis as it comes in - feel free to add your own comments if you have any thoughts on what's going on.

You can watch the PBR live on No. 10's website here

Community Task Force results published

The CTF phase 1 bidding results were posted on DWP's website this morning, and I've just posted them in a list below for ease -

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