Jobseeker’s Allowance (Jobseeker Mandatory Activity) Pilot Regulations 2007

I thank both noble Lords who contributed to our consideration of these regulations. Both probed why we were running-on the first year’s pilot without more detailed feedback in the interim. As I said, when the trial was started, it was envisaged that it would be a two-year trial. The regulations required us to do it in 12-month bites, but it is the same trial, the same process, the same pilot areas and the same rules. It is a continuation of what is already under way. On conditionality, I am advised that the sanctions were present in the 2005 regulations; nothing new has been introduced. The noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott, asked about the cost of the pilot last year and the estimate for the current year. The main cost comprises the cost of the courses. The costs to date are of the order of £3.5 million. Interviews are taking place with Jobcentre Plus staff and there will be more intensive interviews, but the cost of the courses is a significant component of the costs. Both noble Lords asked for an update on how things are going to date. I am afraid that I shall disappoint them. The evaluation is under way, but it is important to base it on the entire two years of the pilot. Therefore, it has not been published yet but I can make some general comments on the courses. I believe I have already said that participants are pleased and encouraged by some components of the courses and appreciate that they help them to move closer to the job market. Work done on the courses suggests that some are more personalised and focused on individual circumstances while others are a bit generic. However, there are different providers in different pilot areas and the courses are not the same in each pilot area, as they have been contracted separately. There is an issue about sharing good practice from all that. That will be in the evaluation so that we can take forward what we learn from that. I am conscious that I may not have given the detail noble Lords seek. However, it is right to consider the matter at the end of the two-year period because the pilot is continuing.