St Mungo's supports the principle of the Work Programme that people who are able and want to work should have the opportunity and be encouraged to do so.
From a recent survey we know that only around 4% of our residents are employed, although over 80% said their goal was to work. Most homeless people do want to make the transition from pavement to pay packet. They want to lead full and meaningful lives, and pay their way, like everyone else. But because of the traumas caused by homelessness, they need dedicated help and support to make this possible.
The Work Programme could be an enabling tool to help support homeless people back into employment and we have talked with, and written to, DWP ministers and representatives about how we could see it working for our clients (see our Inclusion Checklist for how more homeless people can be included within central and local planning).
However, our experience so far has been similar to other specialist organisations in that we have had no referrals from the Work Programme, despite holding three tier two Work Programme contracts. These contracts have no commitments to minimum numbers of referrals, nor clear prices, and as a result are, unfortunately, really not worth the paper they are written on.
We have proven services and a reputation for innovation and effectiveness. Last year we supported 137 homeless people into work, and helped a further 1,700 take steps towards it through skills training, education or activities. We work with some of the most disadvantaged in society for whom getting back into employment - or in some cases, into their first job - can be a longer journey than for others.
With the current structure of the Work Programme, we are concerned that it will become more difficult to help our core group of homeless, often long term unemployed, people. Current contract arrangements mean that we can't forward plan with confidence and we are having to let go vastly experienced staff as we cut our services.
We urge the Government to ensure voluntary organisations with expertise in working with homeless and unemployed people into their Work Programme planning, or we fear that this vulnerable group will once again be left on the scrap-heap.
More about our services
At St Mungo's we believe that homeless people shouldn't be written off. Our projects already deliver support, from basic literacy and IT training through to full work experience opportunities, to thousands of homeless people who want to rebuild their lives. But we simply can't afford to offer these services to all of our residents. Our Skills and Employment services are largely funded by donations from our supporters.
In 2010, our Action Week focused on employability, with a major report Work Matters.
See also our concerns around Government changes to Housing Benefit.
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