Implementation will make or break welfare reforms
ERSA (the Employment Related Services Association), representing the independent providers of welfare-to-work services, welcomed the principles and ambition at the heart of welfare reforms announced today, but stressed that how these reforms are implemented will determine their success.
Amanda McIntyre, Director of ERSA, said:
“The promise of more flexible and personalised support for jobseekers is powerful and must be carried through with commitment and attention to detail.
"A key reason for engaging independent providers of welfare-to-work services is their ability to offer more personalised and accessible support to those further from the labour market. But, too often, they and Jobcentre Plus advisers have been held back by standard welfare programme rules and the inability to adapt national initiatives to address local circumstances.
“Embedding flexibility and collabarative working requires a continuing culture change, which has now begun but needs to permeate across central and local government and Jobcentre Plus.
“The private and voluntary sector providers, who specialise in helping those with more complex personal barriers to find and keep work, are keen to work in true partnership with Government and Jobcentre Plus to deliver the support that works best for individuals.
"Providers support the principle of being held to account for achieving sustainable employment outcomes, so long as their contracts enable them to offer what works best and their performance is judged fairly against prevailing economic conditions.”