Recommendation 16

The previous Government’s ‘ABC’ approach to employment support (any job, better job, career) has not worked. While it may move people off benefits in the short-term, it all too often does not lead to long-term, sustainable employment and exacerbates the low-pay, no-pay cycle. This is not a good outcome for claimants, employers or the taxpayer. We are pleased to hear that DWP will no longer force people into ‘any job’ available, with support 55 instead to focus on building rewarding careers. DWP must now match its aspiration with action. DWP will need to be open to the fact that finding good jobs may initially involve people spending longer on out-of-work benefits, but it will deliver better value for money in the long-term, with them less likely to return to benefits in the future. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91)