Employment Minister Chris Grayling has announced a series of reforms to deliver a 21st century welfare system. The new Work Programme will replace the current back to work schemes and provide a coherent package of support for people out of work, regardless of the barriers they face or the benefits they claimi. The Government is inviting expressions of interest from the private, public and voluntary sectors to help deliver this.

The Department for Work and Pensions (“the DWP”) wishes to establish a framework agreement for the provision of employment related support services, helping people to select, train for, obtain and retain employment suitable for their ages and capacities.

The framework competition will identify organisations (including consortia) that have the capacity and expertise to deliver not only the Work Programme but also other potential employment related support services contracts. This may also include contracts that may attract European Social Fund (“ESF”) support.

For further information on the DWP Framework Agreement please visit: DWP Framework Agreement For The Provision Of Employment Related Support Services