§ Mr. GoodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many disabled people who had participated in the Workstep programme gained employment in(a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003; [153386]
(2) how much was spent by his Department on the Workstep programme in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003. [153387]
§ Maria EagleWorkstep was introduced on 1 April 2001 to replace the former Supported Employment Programme. Workstep provides in-work support for disabled people who have more complex barriers to finding and keeping a job, but who, with the right support, can work effectively and develop in their job. Where it is appropriate, individual supported employees may also progress to unsupported employment.
The programme is managed by Jobcentre Plus, which contracts with over 240 local authorities, voluntary organisations, Remploy Ltd. and private sector organisations. Supported employees work in mainstream employment with a range of organisations. In addition, some are employed in supported factories and businesses run as part of the programme.
Since it started, the core funding allocated to Workstep has remained broadly constant at around £60 million a year. An additional £37.2 million over three years 2001 to 2004, was made available to expand the programme and to support providers to modernise and develop their delivery of the programme.
The available information on the number of people supported through Workstep is in the following tables: 1609W
Number of places filled on Workstep contracts 2001–02 2002–03 Non-Remploy (number of contracted places filled) 11,852 12,133 Remploy (number of people on programme) 10,523 9,543 Total 22,375 21,676
Number of people progressing to unsupported employment 2001–02 2002–03 Non-Remploy 554 534 Remploy 1,246 1,610 Total 1,800 2,144 Note:
The non-Remploy figures shown in the first table represent the number of contracted places filled and are not a headcount (two part-time participants would equal one filled place.
Source:
DWP data.
§ Mr. GoodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people employed by his Department are supported by the Workstep programme. [153391]
§ Maria EagleAs of October 2003, 239 people were supported by Workstep and working within the Department for Work and Pensions. Of these, 211 were directly employed by the Department.