Work Programme action demanded

Scottish government ministers have repeated their call to the UK Government to cancel the renewed contracts for the Work Programme and Work Choice.

The Work Programme, a UK-wide scheme to help jobseekers back into employment, and Work Choice, a specialist disability employment programme, were specifically highlighted by the Smith Commission among the employability support services that should be devolved to Scotland – and on expiry of the current contracts.

The UK Government have written to the Scottish Government to again refuse to cancel contracts for the Programmes that take them up to 2017.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham said:

“We have consistently called for accelerated devolution of the powers and resources that will allow us to redesign the employment support services in Scotland. Powers that meet the needs of unemployed Scots, those of businesses and employers and which are based on our core aims of sustainable economic growth, of fair work, and of social justice. The UK Government has again refused. The renewal of these contracts is just another barrier to helping more Scots into work.

"Digging their heels in, when the contracts should not have been renewed in the first place, is against the spirit of Smith. I would echo the First Minister's words in the chamber this afternoon and again demand that these contracts be cancelled and, for immediate transfer of the resources and legal powers that will enable us to provide an alternative service for unemployed Scots.

"Figures released last week demonstrate that the Work Programme scheme is still not delivering for Scots. This makes the UK Government's wilful and persistent continued refusal to cancel the contracts they renewed all the more frustrating. Taking the decision to extend the contracts after the Smith Commission agreed they should be devolved adds to the growing sense of frustration.

"The latest Labour Market Statistics continue to paint an encouraging picture of employment in Scotland with 48,000 more people in work compared to this time last year. Scotland is continuing to outperform the UK on employment and inactivity rates, with female employment showing particular progress.

“But we are determined to do all we can to help unemployed Scots into work. We are continuing to target areas that have particular issues through our Employability Fund, actions from Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce and more.

"With greater power over tax, benefits and worker’s rights we could make more of a difference to the lives of the people of Scotland. We want powers over Work Programme and Work Choice to allow us to do more and for the Scottish Government to create a more effective, targeted and fairer employment service in Scotland.”