Thanks to a site called TWPSolutions, we have the full list of Community Work Placements providers, after the Financial Times gave us 4 of them.
There are 18 regions. Of these, G4S have 6; Seetec 5; Pertemps and Interserve 2 each; and Learn Direct, Working Links and Rehab one each.
Did A4e put in a bid? It would be very unusual if they didn't, and this must be a major blow for them. All that's left in the pipeline are the Transforming Rehabilitation contracts, and the government wants to get on with them before the election, despite Labour's pleas to postpone the decision.
Been in to see my advisor today and I have been told that the CWP kicks in six months after the PWPS (post WP support). I have also been told that the placements will be 'picking up litter or something like that. Basically, just killing time'.
ReplyDeleteI just wonder if some of the placements will be with local councils.
Some will, but there are some local councils, like Liverpool, which have already said that they want nothing to do with it.
DeleteIf councils can employ someone for nothing how many jobs will be lost? How much tax revenue will be lost? This might lead to FURTHUR cuts?Help To Work has implications for everyone.
DeleteI can confirm that Councils in East Anglia have already been receiving the 'Hard Sell' from SeeTec, thankfully most have told them where to go.
DeleteI cannot imagine if A4e had put a bid in they would get nothing. Its more likely they have made the decision not to bid. You also don't see Ingeus among the list and A4e and Ingeus are the biggest WP providers.
ReplyDeleteLook at the bad press G4S have had and they cleaned up as I had heard they had prior to the announcement.
I also heard G4S put bids in for every CPA and were the only provider to offer a discount on the funding. Remember its all about capacity to deliver and discount.
I'm in the south, so I'll be dealing with G4S if and when I get put on CWP. I doubt it'll be any different from dealing with A4e, but you never know. What has other people's experience with them been like?
ReplyDeleteI’m also in the south. As far as I know, the two WP Primes in this area are A4E and Maximus.
DeleteG4S has been advertising for “Partners” for the CWP contract, so my guess is that A4E & Maximus may have decided to become “Partners” (ie sub-contractors) of G4S.
A4e was the prime that I had to go to while on the WP but going by that list, people in Berkshire will be visiting/dealing with G4S. So who knows?? Only time will tell.
DeleteI see locally, if i have read correctly, it's local Work Programme provider, Rehab Jobfit. They subcontracted to the Salvation Army, but the SA have said they aren't getting involved with this. I wonder. Nothing would surprise me less about all this. There's no doubt Rehab will again subcontract as they aren't directly based locally. What a sham.
ReplyDeleteit's not clear if A4e put any bids, but they we're eligible to bid for 12 contract package areas. More details on page 6 onwards
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boycottworkfare.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/community-work-placements-info-pack.pdf
The Plot thickens,I had to attend the JCP+ today,the "Work Coach" wanted to have a chat.I figured it was about CWP,wrong...With a smug look she handed me a paper and purred "What about that" MWA...you did it a year ago and now you have to do it again!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant,when do I start? A rep came over from the provider (same as the WP) and explained what was expected,including travel up to 90 miles each way,how do you feel about that? Bloody love riding the Bus/Train...When do we get fitted for our Uniforms?
as I only wear shorts and flip flops in the Summer..You must adhere to a dress code! Sorry not in my JSA Budget..We will sort something out..Okay Liability Insurance,I will need a copy..No problem,we have Employers Insurance...But I am not an Employee,,In this instance you are considered an Employee....Will I be paid the NMW?..No..Are you asking me to commit Insurance Fraud?....We will contact you by post. I was unaware that after completing MWA you had to do it again?
A rather quick and curt reply "Your attitude is considered non compliant,your benefit could be in jeopardy if you refuse to participate in the tasks assigned to you" I have not refused MWA I just want clarification regarding Insurance.
DeleteI am getting pressured to find my own voluntary placement. No travel expenses to be paid by DWP. Is this a back boor way of getting people into workfare by the back door since many reputable charities have said they will not take part in WP round 2?
ReplyDeleteSurely they can't force you to find your own 'voluntary' placement? As for funding your own travel expenses, what if you just don't have the money to do that? If you don't have the money, you can't do the placement unless the Jobcentre pays your travel costs. For people who are trying to support themselves financially, JSA barely covers the cost of food and essential bills, never mind anything else.
DeleteThe same thing happened to me. I didn't agree to do forced volunteering so I was sent off to do a month of MWA. Mandatory work activity placements are few, so JCP advisers first try to make claimants volunteer first. My advice would be to not volunteer and so be mandated for MWA. That way your expenses will be paid, and when I say expenses, claim the maximum whether you need it or not!!!!
DeleteA very funny conversation with? A4e/Rehab Jobfit/TGB Learning..Shuffled around like a new deck of cards in a casino.I have been assigned to MWA.rather than wait to be contacted.I called them,what,where,when? They were confused.apparently being pro-active is not in their game plan...The first question that I asked was my new favourite subject "Liability Insurance" the man was quick to sat that "As a Volunteer I was covered" I pointed out that it was Forced Labour and I faced Sanctions if I did not comply..His response was "You can sign off,if you disagree" this is BS,I requested to see the Employers Liability Insurance Policy..Why? I would contact the carrier and see if I was covered,not as an employee or a volunteer,but rather a mandated worker,this made him uncomfortable,interview concluded.
ReplyDeleteAren't companies (including WPPs) required by law to display a copy of their Employer's Liability insurance certificate on the premises?
Delete@Lucy,Yes,but contacting the Insurer seems to make them nervous as they are not upfront about their activities.
DeleteIf they haven't been upfront about their activities with the insurance companies, they are going to be in a shed load of trouble if someone is injured whilst on CWP/MWA.
DeleteIf you can get sight of their certificate and can get a snap of it, it would be very interesting to see what the insurers do.
Yes, I believe so. This would also apply to visitors too.
ReplyDelete