he government's new work scheme has begun, with ministers promising it will give 2.4 million unemployed people help to find jobs over the next five years. Under the scheme, approved providers, mostly private companies, will try to find work for claimants in the UK.

Seven-year contracts have been agreed and are on a payment-by-results basis.
The Work Foundation said there was a danger private contractors would cherry-pick parts of the country where they were more likely to get results.
The scheme replaces existing employment support schemes - the New Deal, Employment Zones and Pathways to Work.

BBC home affairs editor Mark Easton said the government was investing billions in the Work Programme, but arguing that ultimately it would save the taxpayer money by getting people off benefits.

But he added that the payment-by-results aspect had led some to speculate that suppliers might pressurise vulnerable people into unsuitable jobs or ignore those who need the most support.


Outsourcing giants Serco and G4S are two of the private firms involved, while the voluntary sector groups signed up include Mencap, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Prince's Trust and Action fo......Click HERE to read more