Work Scheme Fails Homeless

The government’s flagship work programme has been accused of failing homeless people as another homelessness charity pulled out.  St Mungo’s has confirmed it had exited three five-year contracts it took on as part of the £5 billion work programme because it had not been able to help anyone into employment since the contracts started last June.  The news follows London-based Single Homeless Project’s decision to drop out in March on the grounds the programme was ‘not adequately resourced or structured’.  Mike McCall, executive director of operations at St Mungo’s, said: ‘We had not received any referrals [from prime contractors] so have withdrawn but look forward to participating in future activities when we can be assured there is sufficient emphasis on working with those that are furthest from the labour market.’ Few charities are taking part in the work programme, which supports benefit claimants into employment, because the majority of money is paid after a person has been in a job for a minimum of six months, making it unviable for small organisations.  Read more on Inside Housing.