Evaluation of Basic Skills Mandatory Training Pilot: Synthesis Report

In response to the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills, the Employment Service (now Jobcentre Plus) implemented a National Basic Skills Programme in April 2001. Under this programme Jobseekers who had been unemployed for at least six months or were entering New Deal were screened for a basic skills need. If a need was confirmed, the customer was then referred onto a basic skills training course. <br />

<br />

Following evidence of low take-up of Basic Skills provision and non-attendance at the Independent Assessment, a number of small-scale pilots were set up to run between September 2001 and March 2002. The evidence from these pilots (Peters et al 2003) indicated that incentive payments did have some effect in attracting customers to attend provision; however, it was less clear if sanctions had an impact. <br />

<br />

In order to explore the impact of sanctions on the people taking up and completing Basic Skills training more thoroughly, an extended 12 month Mandatory Training Pilot scheme was introduced in April 2004. <br />

<br />

This synthesis report draws together findings from the evaluation of the Basic Skills Mandatory Training pilot. The research comprised qualitative and quantitative methodologies and looked at delivery, views and impacts (including the impact on starting and completing training, the impact of attending training, and the impact of receiving a sanction). This report provides an overview of the Basic Skills process and also outlines findings relating to the delivery and impact of the Basic Skills Mandatory Training Pilot. <br />

<br />