The programme is a key part of DWP’s ‘Help to Work’ scheme, and is designed to help thousands of long-term unemployed people gain the necessary work experience, skills and confidence to return to work.  Claimants will be referred by Jobcentre Plus and will be matched to a work experience placement that benefits their local community. In addition each claimant will have a Personal Advisor who will support them in their return to work.

G4S has been delivering the Work Programme in three contract package areas since June 2011. It has already helped more than 35,000 long-term unemployed people into work and is one of the highest performing providers.

This announcement means that G4S will be responsible for providing Community Work Placements in the East Midlands; East London; West London; Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside and Halton; Hampshire, Thames Valley and Isle of Wight; and North Yorkshire and the Humber.

Sean Williams, Managing Director of G4S Employment Support Services, said:

“Building on our experience on the Work Programme, we will work through a network of specialist, experienced organisations from the public, private and charitable sector, to ensure that claimants are given real, relevant work experience which will improve their long-term employment prospects.

“Work experience is highly effective at helping people return to employment where it is meaningful and built around their aspirations. High quality work experience placements help increase confidence and self-esteem.”

Read the Government's announcement on Help to Work and Community Work Placements