We trialled a new way of supporting jobseekers to remain in sustained employment
The In-Work Support (IWS) trial provides support via phone, text and email to jobseekers who frequently enter and leave the benefit system and require ongoing support to remain in sustained employment.
Support includes regular check-ins to see how things are going at work, work-related advice and mentoring or information about budgeting and relationship services.
An evaluation of the IWS trial after 24 months showed that, during the first six months, people on the trial spent on average about 7 percent more time off benefit than a matched comparison group. In general, people’s expectations were met or exceeded by IWS, and it changed some previous negative perceptions of MSD.
Clients reported the In-Work Payment (IWP) helped set them up for a successful transition to work, allowing them to buy work tools or clothing, put deposits on cars or fix their existing cars, and pay off debt. The combination of IWS and IWP incentivised clients to stay in work longer than they otherwise would have.
We also conducted several other employment trials in conjunction with partner organisations. Further information on these can be found in the
How we work with other organisations to improve outcomes section from page 41.
