• About this study
• Findings

Evaluation of Support for Very Long-term Unemployed (SVLTU) Trailblazer

About the study

This report evaluated the Department for Work and Pensions' Support for the Very Long-Term Unemployed Trailblazer, a scheme designed to test ways of supporting claimants who continue to claim Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) after completing the Work Programme - the long-term unemployed. We tested two support avenues: first, the Community Action Programme (CAP) run externally, which provides a six month work experience placement and job search support; and second, Ongoing Case Management (OCM), a more intensive offer of flexible and personalised Jobcentre Plus (JCP) adviser-based support lasting for six months.

We found that there too be no significant difference in job outcomes at the end of the six month programme, however DWP statistics on benefit data published on the same day found a significant impact on benefit receipt 41 weeks after random allocation point. Furthermore, the OCM and CAP strands were successful in achieving soft outcomes such as increases in motivation, confidence, job seeking behaviour and a positive change in attitude towards work.

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Potential policy impact

The findings from this report will help to inform policy decisions about potential national roll-out of support options for the very long term unemployed.

Method

This was a mixed methods evaluation involving a survey of programme participants and qualitative research among participants, JCP staff, provider staff and work placement hosts. It was a randomized control trial with three strands: two treatment groups and a control group. The aim was to compare hard and soft outcomes of these strands, understand operational delivery issues, and gather feedback from participants.

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