Jobseekers (Back to Work Schemes) Act 2013 : Chapter 17

The Jobseekers (Back to Work Schemes) Bill is necessary to preserve the position under legislation relating to employment programmes, such as the Government's 'Work Programme', which has been the subject of an adverse Court of Appeal judgment.

The effect of this judgment would be that the Government would incur a liability of up to an estimated GBP130 million, in repaying claimants who have been sanctioned for failing to comply with the ESE Regulations and in not being able to impose sanctions for past failures where decisions have not yet been made.

The Bill secures that the Jobseeker's Allowance (Employment, Skills and Enterprise Scheme) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/917 - the 'ESE Regulations'), relating to participation in these employment programmes, are effective and provides that notices, served under those Regulations informing claimants of requirements as to participation and about consequences of failing to meet requirements, were effective.