Agenda item

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise which provided an update on the Single Work Programme and set out progress being made to implement the programme in Halton.

 

            It was reported that at a meeting of the PPB on 7^th March 2011 it was agreed that a key priority for the year ahead would be maximising single work programme opportunities for Halton.

 

            It was noted that as a part of the Government’s welfare reform proposals a number of existing employment support programmes had ceased and had been replaced by a new initiative called “The Single Work Programme”.

 

            The Board was advised that the work programme would be a mandatory programme for residents reaching key milestones of unemployment. For 18 – 24 year olds, referrals would be after nine months of claiming Jobseekers Allowance. Those aged 25 and over it would be mandated to attend after 18 months of claiming benefit. Other groups such as those on sickness benefits found fit for work, would also be referred.  Once referred, support would be given for a period of up to three years.

 

            The Board was further advised the work programme was being delivered through a number of contract areas, Halton was part of a large contract area which included Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria.

 

It was reported that in April the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)  had awarded contracts for the Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria area to A4e and Ingeus.  They were described as ‘Prime Contractors’.  A description of the two companies was set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

           

Prior to the awarding of the contracts, Halton Borough Council had undertaken to meet bidders with the purpose of ascertaining whether successful bidders would wish to enter into a Sub–Contracting arrangement for the Council to deliver the contract in Halton. Both A4e and Ingeus had expressed an interest in working with Halton Borough Council via the Halton People into Jobs team.

 

Furthermore, discussions regarding how the contract would be operated in Halton were at an early stage.  For example, further clarification was required regarding the potential TUPE transfer of employees from Ingeus and A4e as well as other contractors who provided frontline services under the current arrangements.  Confirmation on targets and numbers of beneficiaries was still being developed with the two external organisations and would be subject to formal ratification by the Council.  There was also a remote possibility that the proposed transferees would not be acceptable in its entirety.  In addition, it was reported that the support of the Council’s HR and Legal colleagues had been invaluable to date and it was proposed that an internal implementation group would be established to oversee and scrutinise the process. Similarly further negotiations were taking place regarding an implementation date in June.

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

 

·        It was noted that there would need to be a harmonisation the Tupe terms and conditions:

 

·        The background information on the A4e and Ingeus companies was noted;

 

·        The financial implications and possible risks of entering into an agreement with A4e and Ingeus was noted;

 

·        It was suggested that the Board receive further update reports at future meetings;

 

·        It was noted that the salary. Employment, training and education provided would match services provided by Halton People Into Jobs;

 

·        Clarity was sought on an individuals salary during training. In response, it was reported that the individual would be unemployed whilst undertaking training and development.  When an individual had been in employment for six months they would be paid at an appropriate level commensurate with the job.  From nine months to three years, support would be given and it was hoped that they would enter into employment during that period;

 

·        Members of the Board supported the negotiations and the next steps in delivering the programme;

 

·        It was noted that Appendix 1 to the report was not attached to the agenda and reported that this would be circulated to all Members of the Board; and

 

·        It was noted that discussions were taking place on a regular basis with Trade Unions.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)          the progress made to date on the Single Work Programme be noted; and

 

(2)          the Board unanimously support the negotiations and proposed next steps in delivering the programme in Halton.