The Social Security (Preparation for Employment Programme 50 to 59 Pilot) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations establish a pilot scheme relating to persons who claim jobseeker’s allowance and who fulfil the criteria specified in regulation 3 as to age and period over which they have been receiving benefit.

The pilot scheme is to last from 3rd April 2006 to 1st April 2007 unless revoked with effect from an earlier date.

Regulation 3 modifies regulation 75(1)(a)(v) of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations with the effect that if a person without good cause refuses or fails to participate in the employment programme known as the Preparation for Employment Programme or gives up his place on this programme, he will be subject to a sanction under Article 21 or 22A of the Jobseeker’s (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. The effect of this will be the loss or reduction of his jobseeker’s allowance for a period of 2, 4 or 26 weeks.

These Regulations make in relation to Northern Ireland only provision corresponding to provision contained in Regulations made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in relation to Great Britain and accordingly, by virtue of section 149(3) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 5 to, the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 8), are not subject to the requirement of section 149(2) of that Act for prior reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee.

These Regulations do not impose a charge on business.