Emily said:

“With a price tag approaching £3 billion and a success rate of less than 30 per cent, the Government’s flagship Work Programme has been an expensive disappointment.

“As the committee notes, providers have not always been able to resist the temptation to focus their resources on those considered easiest to help. As a result, the Work Programme has been a particular let down for those who face more significant barriers to employment, including disabled people and the over 50s.

“This is not good enough, either for taxpayers, who expect better value for their investment, or for jobseekers, who expect to have access to support which is appropriate to their needs.

“Today’s report is a timely reminder that, as the DWP considers the future of back to work support, services must be designed and delivered in a way that provides the right kind of support to help everyone, regardless of their circumstances, to help realise their potential in meaningful, rewarding jobs.”