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Policy and research documents archiveClick one of the following for more information.
benefits
budget reports
children
community and residential care
contracting out of services
council tax
disability
discrimination
education and skills
fraud
healthy start
housing and housing grants
information technology
nhs costs
parliamentary bills
pensions
poverty
students
tax credits
transport
voluntary sector
welfare reform
work
routes onto incapacity benefit: findings from a survey of recent claimants
DWP research report: No 469 focuses on the situations of people newly claiming incapacity benefit (IB), including their health, employment and benefit histories, and their expectations and attitudes towards leaving benefit and returning to work. Posted 4 March 2008.
qualitative research exploring the pathways to work sanctions regime
This study sought to explore the role that sanctioning played in decisions about attendance at Work Focused Interviews (WFIs) and subsequent engagement with the programme. Posted 5 January 2008.
gordon brown's speech to the confederation of british industry
In it he states his proposals for benefit recipients in terms of job hunting and work skills. Posted 27 November 2007.
special rules pilot review - In early 2007 Disability and Carers Service (DCS) undertook a sample review of cases awarded AA and DLA under the special rules provisions that had been in payment for more than 7 years. DCS have now decided to widen this exercise and look again at more cases made under the Special Rules provision which have been in payment for more than three years. Posted 21 November 2007.
review of the disability living allowance advisory board
The report recommends that the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board (DLAAB) should be refocused to offer advice across all benefits. Posted 21 November 2007.
it's all about you: citizen-centred welfare
Institute for Public Policy Research report that suggests a course for the next ten years to deliver a welfare contract they believe is more fair, simple and empowering. Posted 12 September 2007.
knowing and understanding disability and carers service customers
This DWP Research Report (No. 439) presents the findings of a study of the experiences of Disability and Carers Service (DCS) customers. Areas covered include ways customers found out about disability benefits, experiences when claiming or challenging decisions and attitudes to DCS staff and services. Posted 16 July 2007.
one
for all: active welfare and the single working-age benefit
Report by the
Institute for Public Policy Research, advocating the abolition of income
support, jobseeker's allowance and incapacity benefit and replacing them with
a single working-age benefit, which would incorporate carer's allowance.
Posted 12 July 2007.
direct payment of housing benefit: what do claimants think?
This Joseph Rowntree research report examines HB claimants’ understanding, attitudes and experiences of two different payment methods - payment to the claimant (e.g. local housing allowance) and payment to the landlord. It explored this issue in the context of claimants’ attitudes towards their liability to pay the rent and how rent payment fitted into their household budgeting more generally. Posted 15 May 2007.
lyons inquiry into local government
The report reaches a number of conclusions about the role of local government and its relationship with both the local community and national government. It has recommendations regarding council tax and council tax benefit, especially for pensioners. Posted 21 March 2007.
repeat jobseeker’s allowance spells
DWP Research Report No 394. This report considers the type of support needed for various groups of claimants (long term, disabled, those with health problems, short term) who habitually reclaim JSA following short spells of employment (the “revolving door” syndrome). Posted 7 November 2006.
sanctions in the benefit system: evidence review of JSA, IS and IB sanctions
Published as part of the Social Security Advisory Committee's 19th Report. Discusses the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of benefit sanctions in getting people back into work and makes recommendations. Posted 6 November 2006.
long term benefits reform - should a single working-age benefit be the aim
Article by Roy Sainsbury, Social Policy Research Unit, University of York. Originally published in Disability Rights
Bulletin Spring 2006. Posted 16 October 2006.
industrial injuries advisory council (IIAC) reports
The IIAC reviews various conditions in relation to occupations with a view to including them on the list of prescribed industrial diseases. Recent reports have been on Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis, Interstitial Fibrosis in
coal workers and work related upper limb disorders. Posted 21 July 2006.
tackling the complexity of the benefit system
House of Commons Public Accounts report HC 765. Also available as a pdf file. Posted 19 July 2006.
dealing with the complexity of the benefits system
National Audit Office report. Posted 27 February 2006.
reconsiderations and appeals
A summary report of the findings of the DWP Standards Committee. Posted 21 September 2005.
guidance on the use of electronic 85's
healthy start (pdf)
Response to the government consultation exercise. Posted 1 February 2005.
tuc report - sicknote britain
Countering popular myths. Posted 1 February 2005
national audit office
Getting it right, putting it right. Changes and effectiveness of decision making (7 November 2003).
national audit office
Recommendations for improving medicals (17 October 2003).
defending incapacity benefit
This TUC report, challenges the myth that incapacity benefit supports millions of people who have chosen not to work. (October 2004)
medical evidence gathering
Two reports on an incapacity benefit pilot (in-house report 119 and research report 189). (17 July 2003).
budget report (march 2008)
Summary of main proposal and links to the report. Posted 12 March 2008.
prebudget report (october 2007)
Summary of main points and related links. Posted 9 October 2007.
budget report (march 2007)
Summary of main points and related links. Posted 21 March 2007.
prebudget report (december 2006)
Summary of main proposal and links to the report. Posted 6 December 2006.
budget report (march 2006)
Summary of main points and related links. Posted 22 March 2006.
pre-budget report
Summary of main points and further information. Posted 7 December 2005.
changes to tax credits
Statement by HM Revenue and Customs Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo ( 5 December 2005).
cutting the costs of child poverty – TUC report that aims to show that child poverty is a reality and that parents struggling to bring up their children in poverty are not to blame. Posted 12 September 2007.
a new system of child maintenance
Link to the child maintenance white paper and a summary. Posted 26 February 2007.
caring for sick or disabled children
Research into the difficulties of combining paid work and care for parents with disabled children. This report is the culmination of a four year study commissioned by Carers UK and Contact a Family. Link to summary and full report. Posted 5 December 2006.
the disabled child project: evaluation report summary
The Disabled Child project was funded by the Parenting Fund (Department for Education and Skills) over 15 months from January 2005 to the end of March 2006, to provide a seamless information and advice service for lone parents with sick or disabled children. Posted 5 December 2006.
mapping london voluntary sector child poverty related activity
This London Councils report identifies the extent and impact of the voluntary sector's role in tackling child poverty in London, and how the work of London's voluntary sector around child poverty interacts with central and regional government work. Both the summary and full reports are available. Posted 22 November 2006.
delivering on child poverty: what would it take?
Independent report produced for the DWP by Lisa Harker, recommending that help for parents looking for work should be more focused on the needs of the whole family and access to childcare and flexible working arrangements should be improved. Posted 21 November 2006.
government launches national debate on the future of care and support
Health Secretary Alan Johnson launches, an “intense six month debate” about the future shape of care and support services. Have your say. Posted 13 May 2008.
launch of whole system demonstrator programme
Health Secretary Alan Johnson announces the beginning of the £31 million Whole System Demonstrator Programme that will test the potential of innovative technologies like Telecare and Telehealth in supporting care for those with complex health and social care needs. Posted 13 May 2008.
supporting older people in care homes at night
This Joseph Rowntree study explores the night-time care experiences of residents, relatives and staff in three care homes in Scotland. It identifies good practice and suggests improvements through a series of interventions. These are used to make recommendations for care regulators, commissioners and providers, home managers and night-time care staff. Posted 30 April 2008.
independent living strategy
The Strategy sets out a five-year plan that seeks to realise the Government’s aim that all disabled people (including older disabled people) should be able to live autonomous lives, and to have the same choice, freedom, dignity and control over their lives as non-disabled people. Responses must be made by 20 June 2008. Posted 4 March 2008.
government tax rules are hindering good government intentions to help vulnerable and disabled people live independently within the community
This report from the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group finds that more help and joined-up government are needed if the move towards direct payments and individual budgets is to be effective as it could be. Posted 1 February 2008.
personal care in scotland
Free personal and nursing care (FPNC) needs to be better planned, managed and funded for it to continue to benefit older people in the future. An Audit Scotland report published today says demand for FPNC will grow with the projected increase in the older population in Scotland. Posted 1 February 2008.
care in the uk
The BBC’s You and Yours and Woman's Hour are investigating the state of Care in the UK, who receives care and who pays for it. Posted 14 January 2008.
carer's grant
New guidance available on the Department of Health Website. Posted 8 January 2008.
the future of care funding: time for a change
This report, produced by the Caring Choices coalition looks at possible solutions to the problem of funding long-term care. Posted 7 January 2008
putting people first: a shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care
This protocol sets out the shared aims and values which will guide the transformation of adult social care to transform people’s experience of local support and services. Posted 11 December 2007.
home from home - quality of care for people with dementia living in care homes
This report, by the Alzheimer's Society states that people with dementia are being subjected to huge inequalities in standards of residential care. The charity is calling for mandatory dementia training for all care staff, with an end to the idea of the traditional 'old folks' home. Posted 29 November 2007.
making experiences count: a new approach to responding to complaints - This consultation paper provides a set of proposals to unify and reform the current arrangements for making complaints across health and social care. The closing date for responses was 17 October 2007. Posted 18 June 2007.
uk study into the abuse and neglect of older people
Survey commissioned by Comic Relief and the Department of Health to provide estimates of elder abuse and neglect in the community. Posted 14 June 2007.
real change, not short change
Link to Carers UK report, based on a survey of nearly 3,000 carers. It finds that carers face a severe financial penalty as soon as they start caring. This includes having to sell their homes, cut back on food, heating and clothes, give up their jobs, and sacrifice their pensions - leaving many deeply anxious about their financial future. It reveals very clearly that the current benefits system does not allow carers an acceptable standard of living and neither recognises nor values them for the contribution they make to the national economy. Posted 5 June 2007.
the costs and benefits of independent living
Published by the Office for Disability Issues. Summarises existing evidence about investment in independent living (IL). In doing this it examines the evidence from current literature available, case studies and service delivery. Posted 14 May 2007.
our health, our care, our say: making it happen
This publication provides an update on progress on implementation of the White Paper and sets out the next stages. It includes a road map to implementation and is a resource to support key actions for local implementation. Posted 20 October 2006.
our health, our care, our say
Following on from the recommendations contained within the Department of Health Green Paper, Independence, Well-being and
Choice this White Paper sets a new direction for the whole health and social care system. Posted 20 October 2006.
time to care? an overview of home care services for older people in england, 2006
A report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), “Time to Care?”, published in October 2006, highlights some of the current and future problems concerning the provision of home care services for older people in England. Posted 18 October 2006.
independence, well-being & choice: our vision for the future of social care for adults in england
Green paper sets out a vision for adult social care over the next 10 to 15 years and how this might be
realised. This page also links to the responses to the green paper. Posted 26 October 2005.
nhs funding for long term care: follow up report
Report based on the evidence gathered from almost 4,000 complaints received since the publication of the original report in February 2003 (see below). The report makes suggestions for avoiding similar incorrect assessments in future. Posted 21 December 2004.
bridging the gap – participation in social care regulation
This is a Better Regulation Task Force report. You can also view the government’s response . Posted December 2004.
commission for social care inspection star ratings
Find out how your council rates in the provision of state-funded children and adult social care. Posted 18 November 2004.
independence matters
Room for improvement in social service provision. Posted 12 December 2003.
nhs funding for long term care of older and disabled people
Report of the Health Service Ombudsman suggesting officials are wrongly making people meet the costs of nursing home care. Posted February 2003.
quality and equality: human rights, public services and religious organisations
This British Humanist Association report into the contracting out of public services to religious organisations states that there is no evidence that religious organisations offer any distinctive benefits to the supply and provision of public services and that the Government’s clear policy objective of expanding the role of religious organisations within the public services runs the risk of lowering standards, increasing inequalities, introducing ‘parallel services’ and damaging social cohesion. Posted 30 April 2008
a fairer local tax for scotland
Consultation on abolishing the council tax and replacing it with a local income tax. Deadline for responses is Friday July 18. Posted 17 March 2008.
valuation tribunals: appeals direct for council tax
The Government's conclusions following the Valuation Tribunals Appeals Direct for Council Tax Consultation that closed on 27 February 2007. Advocates that appeals against council tax banding should be made direct to a valuation tribunal. Posted 1 June 2007.
a life like no other: a national audit of specialist inpatient healthcare services for people with learning difficulties in england
This is the Healthcare Commission's first audit of specialist inpatient healthcare services for people with learning difficulties. It found that most services for people with learning difficulties provide poor standards of care and that there are unacceptable variations in the quality of services throughout the country. Posted 3 December 2007.
a framework for fairness: proposals for a single equality bill for great britain - Posted September 2007.
improving information for disabled people
Report produced by the office for disability issues which looked at how disabled people get information about public services, what they think of it, and how it can be improved. Posted 8 February 2007.
five principles for producing better information for disabled people
Guide produced by the office for disability issues which identifies five key ways that public services can improve information for disabled people. These are:
Posted 8 February 2007.
tipping point
RADAR report into the involvement of disabled people in the decision-making process of disability organisations. The Tipping Point project aims to promote involvement of disabled people in disability organisations through sharing experience and good practice. The report identifies ten tools for change based on the experiences of disabled people. You can download the full report and summary from this link. Posted 5 January 2007.
out and about - wheelchairs as part of a whole systems approach to independence
This document provides an overview of the current state of wheelchair provision. It makes recommendations on how the NHS, working with partners, can improve outcomes for wheelchairs users. It outlines how timely and appropriate provision can contribute to health, well-being, independence, and inclusion. This links to both the main and summary report. Posted 19 October.
improving the life chances of disabled people
Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit report analysing and assessing disabled people's opportunities available to improve their quality of life. Posted 27 January 2005.
carer wins the right to take her discrimination case to the european court of justice
A carer, has won the right for an unfair treatment claim against her employer under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to proceed to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) later this year. Posted 31 January 2008.
a framework for fairness: proposals for a single equality bill for great britain
This consultation paper sets out the Government’s proposals for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain with a view to creating a clearer and more streamlined discrimination legislative framework which produces better outcomes for those who currently experience disadvantage. This consultation seeks your views on various specific proposals for achieving this. Closing date 4 September 2007. Posted 15 June 2007.
disability and the disability discrimination act
The daily experiences of disabled people and level of awareness of the disability discrimination act (in-house report 114) (2001).
ready to work, skilled for work: unlocking britain's talent - On 28 January, the Government published Ready to work, skilled for work: unlocking Britain's talent and Apprenticeships: Unlocking Talent, Building Skills for All. The Government's Strategy for the Future of Apprenticeships in England. These publications describe how Government and employers can work together to unlock Britain's talent and help build a work force that has the world class skills it needs in an increasingly challenging global economy. Posted 29 January 2008.
opportunity, employment and progression: making skills work
This paper presented by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills states that the biggest barrier to full employment is the 'employability and skills of our people'. It outlines its plans to reform the welfare and skills system in England. Posted 27 November 2007.
world class skills: implementing the leitch review of skills in england
Government response to the Leitch report. Published as a companion paper to in work, better off: next steps to full employment. Posted 18 July 2007.
prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills
The Leitch report.
The Government commissioned Sandy Leitch in 2004 to undertake an independent review of the UK's long term skills needs. The review shows that the UK must urgently raise achievements at all levels of skills and recommends that it commit to becoming a world leader in skills by 2020. This means doubling attainment at most levels of skill. Responsibility for achieving ambitions must be shared between Government, employers and individuals. Posted 8 March 2007.
fraud, error and other incorrectness in disability living allowance
A Department for Work and Pensions review of disability living allowance states that most overpayments and underpayments were due to claimants failing to notify changes in circumstances rather than from fraud or official error. Posted 15 July 2005.
welfare foods and healthy start
The new healthy start scheme, designed to give the poorest children a healthy start in life could fail from the outset unless changes are made to the way it is administered, according to a report from national charity Citizens Advice. Posted 8 December 2006.
disabled facilities grant - the package of changes to modernise the programme
This document by the Department for Communities and Local Government sets out the Government's response to the consultation paper - Disabled Facilities Grant Programme: The Government's proposals to improve programme delivery. Posted 5 March 2008.
better outcomes, lower costs
Published by the Office for Disability Issues. Summarises existing evidence relating to savings to health and social care budgets as a result of investment in housing adaptations and housing improvements. Posted 14 May 2007.
disabled facilities grant programme: the government's proposals to improve programme delivery
This consultation provides the government's proposals to improve the Disabled Facilities Grant Programme. It uses the findings and recommendations from an independent report published by Bristol University in 2005 and identifies both short-term and long-term plans. Posted 29 March 2007.
local housing allowance evaluation
Link to page which includes all evaluation reports, including the final ones. Posted 2 November 2006.
reviewing the disabled facilities grants programme
The report provides an independent evaluation of the disabled facilities grant
(DFG). Their proposals include immediate changes to the DFG, alongside wider strategic issues that need to be considered at national, regional and local levels to provide fairer and effective support that will help foster independent living for disabled people.
Posted 28 October 2005.
power of information review
Research into the growth of online communities which are providing independent information on Government related issues. This link provides a summary of the review and the government's response, as well as to the report itself. Posted 28 June 2007.
house of
commons health select committee report on nhs charges
This report criticises the system of health charges in England, and makes a number of recommendations for change.
This page also includes information about and links to the Government response to the Health Committee's Report. Posted 20 October 2006.
attendance allowance and disability living allowance (information) bill
This was intended to place a duty on professionals to provide information to terminally ill patients about entitlement to attendance allowance and disability living allowance. The bill has now been dropped.
concessionary bus travel bill
The Bill implements the Chancellor's announcement in the 2006 Budget that England residents aged 60 and over, and disabled England residents, will get free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England. You can also view the committee stage report (research paper 07/63) in pdf format. Latest post 22 June 2007.
disabled persons (independent living) bill
This imposes duties upon certain persons and bodies in respect of disabled persons; confers certain rights upon disabled persons for independent living; amends the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Care Standards Act 2000. Posted 22 June 2007.
employment retention bill
This seeks to strengthen the rights of newly disabled people in work to assessment and interventions that will enable them to retain their employment. Posted 22 January 2008.
mental health bill
This amends the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in relation to mentally disordered persons. There are a number of related documents on the Department of Health website. Mind are also campaigning against certain aspects of the Bill's proposals. Posted 22 June 2007.
pensions bill
This raises the state pension age from 65 to 68 by 2046. The link between the state pension and average earnings is to be restored during the next parliament. It will also take fewer years of national insurance contributions to earn a full state pension. Posted 22 June 2007.
queen's speech - november 2006
queen's speech - november 2007
tribunals, courts and enforcement act
The Act makes provision about tribunals and inquiries, establishes an Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council, amends the law relating to judicial appointments enforcement of judgments and debts. It makes further provision about the management and relief of debt, the protections of cultural objects from seizure or forfeiture in certain circumstances and amends the law relating to the taking of possession of land affected by compulsory purchase. It also alters the powers of the High Court in judicial review applications; and for connected purposes. Posted 22 June 2007.
pensions: challenges and choices
The First Report of the Pensions Commission presents the Commission’s analysis of and conclusions on the adequacy of pension provision and saving in the UK. From this link you can also view a response from the Parents' and
Carers' Coalition. Posted 24 February 2005.
treasury committee inquiry into the effect of budget measures on low-income households
The inquiry will seek to analyse the effects of the abolition of the 10 pence rate of income tax on particular groups and overall, taking into account other measures in the 2007 Budget, the 2007 Pre-Budget Report and the 2008 Budget and consider possible future measures in this area. Posted 23 April 2008.
the impact of benefit and tax uprating on incomes and poverty
This Joseph Rowntree Foundation research considers the implications of present uprating policies, and aims to stimulate debate on this hidden area of policy-making. Posted 9 April 2008.
disability poverty in the uk
This Leonard Cheshire Disability report shows that disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people. It calls on the government to urgently develop a strategy to end disability poverty, exposing the missing link in the government’s overall strategy to tackle children’s and older people’s poverty. Posted 9 January 2008.
treasury select committee's report on the comprehensive spending review 2007
This report notes a possible tension between the target to halve child poverty by 2010-11 and that to eliminate child poverty by 2020 and expresses concern that the Government may have drawn back from a whole-hearted commitment to meeting the 2010-11 target. Posted 3 December 2007.
monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2007
The New Policy Institute has produced its tenth annual report of indicators of poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom, providing a comprehensive analysis of trends and differences between groups. Its principal conclusion is that the strategy against poverty and social exclusion pursued since the late 1990s is now largely exhausted. Posted 3 December 2007.
cutting the costs of child poverty – TUC report that aims to show that child poverty is a reality and that parents struggling to bring up their children in poverty are not to blame. Posted 12 September 2007.
mapping london voluntary sector child poverty related activity
This London Councils report identifies the extent and impact of the voluntary sector's role in tackling child poverty in London, and how the work of London's voluntary sector around child poverty interacts with central and regional government work. Both the summary and full reports are available. Posted 22 November 2006.
delivering on child poverty: what would it take?
Independent report produced for the DWP by Lisa Harker, recommending that help for parents looking for work should be more focused on the needs of the whole family and access to childcare and flexible working arrangements should be improved. Posted 21 November 2006.
paying the price
Citizens Advice Scotland report concerning disability or ill-health and poverty, based on a questionnaire survey of 417 CAB clients in Scotland claiming disability living allowance or incapacity benefit. Posted 24 July 2006.
disabled students in london
A review of statistics, research and policy developments relating to disabled students in further and higher education, including students with learning difficulties. It highlights some of the recent successes and failures of the educational system as it affects disabled people, and ends with a set of recommendations. Posted 14 June 2007.
what happens next? a report on the first destinations of
2004 graduates with disabilities
AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers
Advisory Services) which looks at what happens to disabled students when they
graduate. Posted 18 July 2006.
the impact of tax credits on mothers' employment
This research, by the Joseph Rowntree foundation, investigated the impact of tax credits on labour-market participation and the working hours of women with children. It also explored reasons for non-take-up of the tax credits among those eligible. Posted 16 October 2007.
tax credits: getting it wrong
In her second special report on tax credits, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, says that despite the considerable improvements which HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has made in its administration of tax credits since her last report in 2005, it still has a very long way to go. Link to report and press release. Posted 9 October 2007.
twenty-eighth report of the public accounts committee
This report criticises HMRC for the way it handled bidding for the contract to provide their information technology (IT) service. Posted 13 June 2007.
twenty-second report of the public accounts committee
The report is highly critical of the cost of the tax credits scheme, the lack of information available about it and the levels of fraud and overpayments. Posted 10 May 2007.
tax credits: putting things right
Parliamentary Ombudsman report which highlighted continuing problems with the operation of tax credits and made twelve recommendations for improving the way the system works and helping those who have been disadvantaged by it. Posted 23 June 2005.
independent adjudicator's office annual report
This year over half of all complaints received concerned Inland Revenue (now part of about HM Revenue and Customs) Tax Credits. Of the Tax Credit investigations completed, 86% have been upheld in the complainant’s favour. Posted 23 June 2005.
tax credit overpayments: how they arise, how they are recovered, and how to challenge them
Report by Low Incomes Tax Reform Group. Posted 22 March 2005.
blue badge scheme
Disabled persons transport advisory committee recommendations for change (18 December 2002).
working with the third sector
National Audit Office report recommending improvements in the way government departments provide fund to Third Sector Organisations ( voluntary and community sector organisations)- to deliver public services. Link to press release, full report and summary. Posted 11 July 2005.
For policy documents relating to welfare reform please visit our main welfare reform page.
dwp commissioning strategy
The strategy describes how the Department for Work and Pensions will implement David Freud’s proposals in his report "Reducing dependency, increasing opportunity" (the Freud report). Posted 28 February 2008.
interact: benefits, tax credits and moving into work
This report by Community Links, Low Incomes Tax Reform Group and Child Poverty Action Group follows a technical and qualitative study of the tax, tax credit and social security systems and barriers to employment. The research includes interviews with a number of individuals in receipt of tax credits and social security benefits in, out of and contemplating work. Posted 18 January 2008.
dwp commissioning strategy – interim report
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) commissioning strategy will examine the effectiveness of DWP spending on back to work strategies, with a view to increasing outcomes and reducing costs in the future. This 11 page report summarises the thinking so far. Posted 28 November 2007.
support package for people with stress and other mental health conditions
Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain and Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced that the Government will treble the number of employment advisers in GP surgeries and pilot a new £8m advice and support service for smaller businesses as part of a new approach to help people with stress and other mental health conditions find and keep work. Posted 28 November 2007.
helping people from workless households into work
This National Audit Office report looks at the cost effectiveness of the various New Deal programmes on offer and at their ability to get people into work. The report states that many workless households do not make use of these schemes and gives a number of recommendations for improving this situation. Posted 19 July 2007.
the impact of pathways to work
DWP research report 435. This report forms part of the ongoing evaluation of Pathways. It focuses on the overall impact of Pathways on employment, earnings, receipt of incapacity benefits, and a potential indicator of the extent to which individuals' health affects their everyday activities. See also the DWP press release. Posted 18 June 2007.
disability,
skills and work: raising our ambitions
Report produced by the Social Market Foundation. It argues that improving the skills of disabled people to world class levels by 2020 would boost the economy by £35 billion over 30 years, equivalent to 18 months growth, and help tackle child poverty. It advocates a national commitment to reducing the relative skills gap between disabled people and the national average. In addition employers should be required to take greater responsibility (aided by improved support, but backed by tough new legal duties if progress falls short). Recommends that out of work disabled people be given much greater opportunity to improve their skills as a route back to work. Posted 15 June 2007.
doing work differently
RADAR guide to getting and keeping a job while managing impairment. Posted 15 May 2007.
what works for whom?
DWP research report 407. The report consider service provision for various jobcentre plus client groups in order to identify what would be required if these services were made the responsibility of district managers. It discusses the difficulties of providing a service for the diverse range of disabled people who are unemployed. It also stresses the importance of support from personal advisers and the provision of adequate training to meet employers’ needs. Access to work is seen as essential in many cases as are workplace adaptations and other in-work support. Posted 24 January 2007.
gaining and retaining a job: the department for work and pensions’ support for disabled people
House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts Sixth Report of Session 2006–07. Posted 18 January 2007.
economic and social costs and benefits to employers of retaining, recruiting and employing disabled people and/or people with health conditions or an injury: a review of the evidence
DWP research report 400. Provides findings from a review of the scientific evidence of the costs and benefits to employers of employing disabled people. It also identifies the limitations of estimating these monetary and non-monetary benefits. Press release also available. Posted 21 December 2006.
pathways to work: findings from the final cohort in a qualitative longitudinal panel of incapacity benefits recipients
DWP research report 398. This study suggests that support into work is generally welcomed (though participants thought its success in helping them to find work was limited). It also states that although the threat of sanctions forces compliance there was little evidence of increasing interest in, or movement towards, work among those not interested in working. Posted 2 November 2006.
the employment rates of disabled people
DWP Research Report No. 298 (2006). The paper analyses variations in disabled people's prospects in the light of their demographic characteristics, their economic opportunities, and the details of their impairments. It illustrates the wide range of employment disadvantages faced by disabled people, and shows that they cannot easily be divided between 'those who can work', and 'those who cannot'. Posted 21 September 2006.
is work good for your health and well-being?
Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions. The study finds that there is a strong evidence base showing that work is generally good for physical and mental health and well-being, taking into account the nature and quality of work and its social context, and that worklessness is associated with poorer physical and mental health. Work can be therapeutic and can reverse the adverse health effects of unemployment, in relation to healthy people of working age, for many disabled people, for most people with common health problems, and for social security beneficiaries. Link to download in pdf format. Posted 13 September 2006. Link amended 24 January 2007.
remploy – review of future business options
Following the publication of this report Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire announced the company will be given support to modernise so it becomes financially sustainable and can support significantly more disabled workers.
Posted 28 July 2006.
gaining and retaining a job: the department for work and pensions' support for disabled people
National audit Office report. Posted 28 July 2006.
more social inclusion for people with mental health problems Department of Health guidance. Part of a drive to help people with mental health problems get back on their feet and back into work. Four sets of guidance for commissioners of services designed to better re-integrate people that have suffered with mental health problems into society. Posted March 2006.
review of action teams for jobs
DWP research report 328. Action teams operate in disadvantaged areas with particular problems of labour market disadvantage and aim to increase the employment rate amongst disadvantaged groups. Posted March 2006.
work focused interviews and lone parent initiatives: further analysis of policies and pilots
DWP Research Report 319. The report sets out findings from research which follows up the longitudinal evaluation of Work Focused Interviews (WFIs) for lone parents and presents findings on recent delivery changes as follows: two measures that have been introduced nationally across all Jobcentre Plus districts - mandatory action plans and Childcare Assist; and two measures that have been introduced in the six "Work Works" pilot areas - NVQ level 3 training provision and the In Work Emergency Fund (IWEF). Posted March 2006.
new deal 90
TUC briefing containing an analysis of the Pre-Budget Report's welfare and labour market
elements. Posted 21 December 2004.
access to work for disabled people
This report, compiled by the Disability Employment Coalition, seeks to illustrate, using the experiences of disabled people, why the Access to Work scheme
(AtW) is so vitally important to improving their employment opportunities (Posted 24 September 2004).
sickness and the risk of job loss
In-house report 122. Posted September 2003.
screening to identify people at risk of long-term incapacity for work
Posted 2003.
employment retention
Following the onset of sickness and disability (in-house report 109). Posted 2003.
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