§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many former drug addicts are in paid employment. [86697]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe information requested is not available.
We are committed to helping unemployed people who are taking positive steps to overcome their drug problem to move into work. Earlier this year, we introduced the Progress2work initiative to give recovering drug misusers the extra help they need to get into employment.
Progress2work provides specialist support to help recovering drug misusers also to make the best use of our welfare to work initiatives and move into jobs. It equips Jobcentre Plus staff with the skills and knowledge they need to better identify people whose drug misuse puts them at a disadvantage in the labour market, and refer them to appropriate provision.
We launched the first Progress2work projects in the spring, in 27 pathfinder areas throughout the country, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency. We are now extending the initiative to a further 36 areas and plan to roll out the programme nationally from next year.