3 March 2004 - Publication of DWP Research - ‘Integrated Findings from the Evaluation of the First 18 Months of Lone Parent Work Focused Interviews’
Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions carried out by Insite Research and Consulting integrates findings from a number of complementary strands of research that comprise the national programme to evaluate the delivery and impact of Work Focused Interviews (WFIs) for lone parents.
Key findings
The overall evidence from lone parent WFIs is positive. The majority of lone parents, regardless of their circumstances or proximity to the labour market, gain something positive from the WFI. Most lone parents found the advice they received at their WFI helpful and felt they were treated as an individual.
Lone Parent WFIs have substantially increased the numbers participating in New Deal for Lone Parents. WFIs had a positive impact on Income Support exits for stock customers. At nine to twelve months after the introduction of WFIs, the impact of WFIs on IS exits was about one percentage point. For new and repeat claimants however, no consistent significant change was found. This does not mean that WFIs have no impact on this group, just that there was no detectable impact, using the methodology available.
Personal Advisers are delivering the WFI initiative more confidently and are able to move rapidly in identifying and addressing the key barriers in each individual case. Findings highlight the importance of follow up contact and the persuasive techniques used by Personal Advisers. Positive strategies for engagement of customers include emphasising the social benefits of working and exploring a possible combination of part time work and training.
However due to pressures of time and increasing workloads advisers focus on the more job-ready customers from whom outcomes (especially jobs) can be achieved. This also impacts upon advisers’ ability to contact caseloaded customers and follow up work focused interviews customers.
Sanctions were seen as a last resort and were only applied in a relatively small number of cases.
Notes for editors
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