This note summarises current Government work experience schemes and includes an overview of previous schemes.
Work experience schemes (640 KB , PDF)
The Government has introduced a number of schemes involving work experience placements, as part of its wider welfare-to-work policies.
Work Experience, the largest of the programmes, involves placements of between two and eight weeks and it targeted at 16-24 year olds. Participants on the scheme do not receive a wage but continue to receive benefits and must continue to look for permanent work. Participation on the scheme is voluntary.
Mandatory Work Activity comprises work placements lasting for four weeks, for up to 30 hours per week. Jobcentre Plus advisers can refer claimants to the scheme where the claimant may benefit from establishing disciplines associated with employment. Benefit sanctions may be imposed on those who fail to participate.
Other programmes involving work placements include the Work Programme and sector-based work academies.
Also summarised in this note are evaluations of previous work experience programmes in the UK and some international case studies.
Work experience schemes (640 KB , PDF)
Covid-19 status certification (also referred to as a "vaccine passport") has been proposed as a means of reducing the risk of transmitting the Covid-19 virus in a number of settings. This briefing explores the Government's policy on certification. It also provides discussion on the scientific evidence and other issues associated with the use of certification.
This short paper summarises trends in unemployment rates and looks at how rates vary by ethnicity, age and gender.
This paper provides statistics and analysis of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
