News from DWP
This page brings you DWP news and announcements. It also includes important changes to our websites and publications we have added. If you want to find out about something from a previous period, please go to the archive
Archive news – 10 to 26 September 2007
New partnership to improve benefit and jobseeking advice
26 September 2007
Citizens Advice and Jobcentre Plus have today announced a new partnership agreement to improve links between them and deliver better advice and support.
This improved cooperation, both locally and nationally, will enable both organisations to give their customers the best possible advice and support on benefits and finding work.
It will also provide greater opportunities for Citizens Advice and other local partners to contribute to the development and delivery of further improved Jobcentre Plus services in England and Wales.
Trustees’ cooperation vital to FAS payment drive – O’Brien
Minister for Pensions Reform Mike O’Brien has called on trustees to cooperate with measures to speed up Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) payments to people aged 65 and over.
The payment process is to be simplified to get around delays caused by trustees not applying for FAS “initial payments” to top up interim pensions paid by the winding up schemes. There should be no good reason for trustees to not ensure that eligible members receive FAS benefits.
Carers to earn more without losing out
24 September 2007
Carers will be able to earn more money without losing their benefits, Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain has announced.
From 1 October 2007, the maximum amount of money carers in Britain will be allowed to earn without losing their entitlement to Carer’s Allowance will rise from £87 to £95 a week, after expenses such as income tax and national insurance contributions have been taken into account.
Peter Hain said: “Carers play a vital role in our communities, providing invaluable help and support for their loved ones. It is right that where we can offer further support we do so."
Vow to cut construction deaths
17 September 2007
An action plan to cut workplace deaths and improve health and safety standards was agreed today by representatives of the construction industry and the trade unions.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Peter Hain convened the Construction Forum to address health and safety practices in the housing and refurbishment sector following the recent 28 percent increase in construction deaths.
Peter Hain said: “House and infrastructure building is booming; but I refuse to tolerate a parallel increase in construction deaths and injury. I am resolutely committed to halting the recent surge in construction deaths."
Action plan to cut building site deaths - Hain
12 September 2007
The Government and industry must work together to reduce fatalities in the construction industry, Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain said today (11 September).
Speaking at the Trades Union Congress, Mr Hain said he was committed to producing an action plan which brings together employers, trades unions and other organisations.
"On Monday I have called the construction industry, the Health and Safety Commission and the main trade unions to a special forum," said Mr Hain. "This will not be a talking shop. It must deliver an urgent action plan to reverse the macabre toll of rising death and injury in construction."
Another step towards full employment
12 September 2007
New figures showing record numbers of people in work were welcomed by Employment Minister, Caroline Flint, today.
The Labour Market figures show employment is up, unemployment is down and numbers on the claimant count have fallen.
"Once again we have a strong set of labour market figures with record numbers in work,” she said.
Hain announces Pathways to Work contracts
12 September 2007
Contracts to deliver the next stage of the Government’s flagship Pathways to Work programme have been announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain.
Six leading training and employment companies will deliver Pathways to Work in 15 Jobcentre Plus districts throughout Britain from this December.
Speaking at the IPPR conference, Mr Hain told delegates he was striving for a ‘whole customer approach’, where people receive the individual help and support they need to get into work.
New appointment to Personal Accounts Delivery Authority
11 September 2007
Jeannie Drake has been appointed non-executive director of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority.
She has a wealth of public sector experience and currently serves on the board of the Pension Protection Fund, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
New in-work credit for lone parents
10 September 2007
Lone parents across the country are to receive the £40-a-week In Work Credit to help ease their transition from benefits to work as part of a new range of measure to help them back into employment, the Prime Minister announced at the TUC Conference in Brighton.
Following successful pilots, from next year it will be rolled out across the UK with parents in London receiving £60 per week. Allied to this, lone parents will now be guaranteed a job interview if they take steps to find work including participating in sessions with employers that will help them develop the skills required to find work.
A series of additional financial measures were announced to ensure that it pays to go back to work.