Whistle-blowers tell MP’s of Fraud at Working Links and A4e

It is been reported that Parliament will be told later today by auditors employed by A4e and  Working Links today that they found evidence of widespread fraud but that their concerns were ignored.

The auditors will tell MP’s that they requested formal enquires into possible abuses of public money but their requests were not followed through. One witness, head of a forensic accountancy department alleges that in 2008 he was asked by Working Links to investigate allegations made by whistle blowers and other staff. He asked Working Links to call the police in for a criminal inquiry but it was not followed through. Working Links have said that it took all allegations of impropriety seriously.

Another witness – a senior A4e auditor claims that there was evidence of fraud in many of the company’s offices but A4e took no action. A4e however denies any fraudulent activities.

yesMinister Comment
In relation to A4e, this is a new angle on an exisiting story. In relation to Working Links, this is a relatively new development. We can only hope that there is not a media frenzy…. if there is a media feast we hope that the advice given to Working Links – and indeed the action it takes – is not reactionanry and does not simply serve to change or affect the next days headlines but is well thought through…. Remember, spending a lot of money on expensive PR companies does not equate to good advice, best advice or appropriate advice.

See details below

Fraud within welfare to work providers – Witnesses to be confirmed; Robert Devereux, Permanent Secretary, Department for Work and Pensions and Alan Cave, Delivery Director, Department for Work and Pensions 3:15pm – Room 15 Public Accounts

Fraud within welfare to work providers – (at 3.15pm) Witnesses to be confirmed (at 4.00pm) Robert Devereux, Permanent Secretary, Alan Cave, Delivery Director, Department for Work and Pensions