Based on data obtained from some of the largest prime contractors of the Work Programme, the trade body for the welfare to work sector (ERSA) estimates that between 18 and 23 per cent of customers who were referred to the Work Programme in June 2011 have already started employment, meaning that one in five customers have already found a job. 

Welfare to work providers of the Work Programme have up to two years to help people to gain employment, which means that a figure of around 20 per cent is broadly in line with provider expectations at this stage of the programme.  

However, in the longer term the DWP’s target is that 40 per cent of people on the programme should get into, and remain in, work.

Commenting on the figures, ERSA chief executive, Kirsty McHugh, said:

“We welcome these early indicative figures of Work Programme performance levels.  The welfare to work industry is working extremely hard to help all customers find sustainable work even in the context of challenging economic conditions.  Although it is far too early to draw firm conclusions on likely performance levels across the life of the contracts, these early figures show that the welfare to work industry is making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Clearly, however, the economy is a cause for concern.  ERSA will therefore be tracking provider performance and working with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that the Work Programme continues to deliver benefit to all customers. “

The Department for Work and Pensions is expected to publish the first official figures on the Work Programme’s performance in the next two weeks.