§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what monitoring has taken place of the schemes piloting compulsory interviews for(a) lone parents and (b) disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [3066]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownCompulsory work-focused interviews for lone parents and disabled people have been piloted as part of the ONE service. Qualitative research from the evaluation has recently been published.
Lone parents and disabled people have generally reported that these compulsory interviews are a positive experience. We are taking forward the lessons learnt from these programmes in the development of Jobcentre Plus. Jobcentre Plus will provide a new service to benefit claimants of working age, offering help to those looking for work now or in the future. We are opening the door to more independence for those who feel trapped on benefit.