Stephen Timms – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Stephen Timms on 2014-04-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that paid employees are not being replaced by unpaid staff under the Work Experience scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Esther McVey

All potential host businesses must sign an agreement with Jobcentre Plus, confirming that the work experience opportunity they wish to offer is on top of (not instead of) current and future vacancies.

If there is any suspicion that a host is not complying with this agreement, the matter will be fully investigated.

If doubts remain about the host employer’s integrity, Jobcentre Plus will immediately terminate the agreement.