Work and Pensions Committee hears from Chris Grayling on “the Work Programme: providers and contracting arrangements”
During a Work and Pensions Committee hearing on Monday, MPs were told that the crucial challenge for the Government’s new Work Programme was moving people off benefits and into work.
Employment Minister, Chris Grayling, gave evidence and stated that welfare-to-work contracts were to be spread between a large number of providers and bidders given a limited number of contracts, as “DWP cannot afford to be reliant on any one organisation” and to reduce the risk of the taxpayer if they collapse or fail. Grayling re-affirmed his stance on Work Programme contractors who fail to follow through to contract with proposed subcontractors named in their tenders suggesting that “if that happens, the prime contractor will be toast”.
The Work Programme:
– Early April: Preferred bidders will be announced
– June: Work Programme starts
To watch Chris Grayling’s testimony click here
Jason McGee-Abe
Project Support Officer
