The Jobseeker's Allowance (Mandatory Work Activity Scheme) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011 No. 688)

Book excerpt: The large majority of those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance make every effort to find work. But some customers do just enough to meet the conditions of their claim while at the same time continually failing to demonstrate the focus and discipline that is a key requirement of finding, securing and retaining employment. Mandatory Work Activity is being introduced to enable advisers to address this problem, supporting this particular group of customers at the earliest possible stage. But the Committee finds that published evidence is at best ambivalent about the chances of such 'workfare' type activity improving outcomes for people who are out of work. It is worried about the precedent set by appearing to punish claimants who are satisfying the conditionality rules (otherwise they would be subject to a sanction) but who, in the view of a Personal Adviser appear to display what is deemed to be the 'wrong attitude'. The Committee's key recommendation is that the introduction of this scheme should not continue. Its concerns cover the general principles of the proposals; the way participants will be selected; how placements will be structured and monitored; and the sanction regime attached. The Government, however, does not accept the Committee's recommendations or suggestion that the scheme is a punishment, and sets out its reasons for its position. The proposals are to go ahead.