§ David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans there are to review the success of work focused interviews for partners of incapacity benefit recipients in finding them employment. [170195]
§ Jane KennedyWork Focused Interviews for Partners (WFIP) were implemented on 12 April 2004. They will be fully evaluated along with the enhanced New Deal for Partners (NDP). WFIP and NDP are separate but complementary policy initiatives aimed at broadly the same client group (partners of those receiving jobseeker's allowance, incapacity benefit, income support, severe disablement allowance or carer's allowance). The evaluation will look at the effect of WFIP and NDP on individuals and households.
It will provide us with information to improve the delivery of these initiatives, where necessary, and also to inform future policy decision—including partners of incapacity benefit recipients.
The first phase of the evaluation findings is expected to be published in summer 2005.
§ David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have found(a) full-time and (b) part-time work as a result of attendance at work focused interviews for partners of incapacity benefit recipients since the scheme was introduced. [170196]
§ Jane KennedyWork Focused Interviews for Partners (WFIP) were introduced in Jobcentre Plus areas on 12 April 2004. It is too soon to provide information about job placings.
The Work Focused Interview provides an important platform for us to talk to partners about opportunities to work and about sources of help and advice. We expect most job outcomes will be achieved as a result of participation in New Deal for Partners, following the Work Focused Interview.
§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many incapacity benefits claimants there are in(a) each region and (b) each of the 30 areas with the poorest labour market position; and if he will make a statement. [172533]
§ Maria EagleThe information has been placed in the Library.