Jonathan Ashworth comments on the NAO investigation into the Restart employment support scheme

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commenting on the NAO investigation into the Restart employment support scheme, said:

“The restart scheme is another example of the Government’s failure to deliver effective, value-for-money employment programmes that deliver on their promises and where the contracting model is costing taxpayers dearly.

“With near-record vacancies and rising numbers out of work but who want a job getting people the support they need to get back to work should be one of the top priorities of the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Labour would target the highest employment in the G7 and focus on devolving employment support programmes to local areas who know the needs of their local area best.”