This report presents findings from a study involving group discussions with customers who were claiming or had recently claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). The study consisted of ten focus groups with JSA customers who had either experienced support through Employment Zones, New Deals or had been claiming JSA between 12 and 18 months. The research explored customers’ views of the provision which they had accessed and was carried out to inform the development of the Jobseeker and Flexible New Deal reforms.
The main research findings are:
- These findings are supportive of the move towards more flexible and tailored support through the development of the Flexible New Deal.
- Employment Zone customers welcomed advisers making themselves available on an ad-hoc basis and appreciated personalised one to one advice on CV writing and interview skills. For some customers, being able to see the same adviser on a regular basis and receiving assistance with the process of applying for jobs within the Employment Zones led to them finding work quickly.
- The majority of respondents had expectations that the Fortnightly Jobsearch Reviews would or should offer more intensive back to work support.
- Customers, who had received financial assistance, were generally positive about the role this had played in helping them get back in to work.
Notes
- The DWP research report: Focus groups with New Deal and Employment Zone customers: Research to inform Flexible New Deal is published on 11 September 2008.
- The analysis was undertaken by IFF Research. The report’s authors are Lorna Adams and Katie Carter.
- The Jobseeker and Flexible New Deal reforms were announced in the government paper ‘Ready for work: full employment in our generation’. (http://www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform/readyforwork/ )