Challenges for welfare to work in Wales Dave Simmonds

Unemployment rising faster than UK – 19,000 rise

Employment dropped 30,000 in six months

Youth unemployment a particular problem

New youth JSA claims

We had been doing better ….

JCP Welsh vacancies dropped since summer 2010

Those new vacancies just balance new JSA claims

New vacancies/claimants in local authorities Local DistrictLatestRank Same Month last year Change on year Anglesey Gwynedd Conwy Denbighshire Flintshire Wrexham Powys Ceredigion Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire Swansea Neath Port Talbot Bridgend The Vale of Glamorgan Cardiff Rhondda Cynon Taff Merthyr Tydfil Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent Torfaen Monmouthshire Newport

The Work Programme challenge in Wales

Work Programme inflows higher than expected, may stay high

The Work Programme Challenge Performance expectations: high in a difficult labour market Finance: recognition of economy and local economies Capacity and capability: skilled staff and stimulating innovation, especially in-work support Supply chain: difficult period, now need to invest Partnership and co-operation: local authorities, skills, health, housing etc + Primes working together Scrutiny and transparency: the more the better Wider picture: welfare reform will make a difference Customers: coping with fears and meeting expectations