Turning Point comment on the Flexible New Deal

Commenting on a recent press report concerning the Flexible New Deal, Turning Point’s spokesperson on employment, Wendy Mitchell says:

“It’s no surprise that the process has been delayed in the current economic climate, as more and more people are forced into out-of-work benefits. We welcome this delay if it means that the Government is taking the opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate the kind of market that will be created by flexible New Deal. This will help ensure that the Flexible New Deal’s aspiration, to reach those furthest from the labour market, is realised.

“Although we resolutely welcome the goal to reach the long-term unemployed, Turning Point has argued since the FND’s inception that, to realise those aspirations, the commissioning process must be more sophisticated. Ask our clients on our ‘progress2work’: they will tell you they are desperate to work. However, many people on Jobseeker’s Allowance have multiple and complex needs, are living chaotic lives, and need intensive specialist support to get back into work. Because of this, a market needs to be created where prime contractors are financially incentivised to partner-up with smaller organisations. They can then to deliver targeted services for those with the most barriers to work, as well as the more ‘work-ready’ customers.”

For more information contact:

Turning Point’s press officer | 020 7481 7630 / 07786 938 601
www.turning-point.co.uk

Notes to editors:

Turning Point is the UK’s leading social care organisation. The organisation provides services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and those with a learning disability. www.turning-point.co.uk
Progress2work offers help with employment and training for people who have had or have a drug problem. It supports people through treatment and into work, and offers drug misusers employment advice and full access to Jobcentre Plus programmes.
Turning Point is a national provider of employment service and the largest provider of Jobcentre Plus commissioned progress2work services for people recovering from drug and alcohol problems. Helping people rebuild their wider lives has a huge impact on the long term sustainability of treatment reducing the chances of relapse and/or reoffending and giving people the confidence to expect more from their lives.

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