In this short research note CentreForum urges the government to stand firm on its flagship scheme to get unemployed people back into work.

Since its launch in June 2011 the Work Programme has faced considerable criticism; most recently from the National Audit Office which said that the government had over estimated the likely performance of the scheme.

CentreForum acknowledges that in certain areas of the Work Programme a different approach would have been beneficial. But its report warns that changing course would undermine efforts to tackle long term unemployment, and threaten future government contracting for services.

Download the full report.