The Jobseeker’s Allowance (18-21 Work Skills Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2014

PART 2 SELECTION FOR AND PARTICIPATION IN PHASE ONE OF THE 18-21 WORK SKILLS PILOT SCHEME

Selection for participation in Phase One of the Scheme

4.—(1) The Secretary of State may select on a sampling basis a claimant (“C”) for participation in Phase One of the Scheme if the following circumstances are met.

(2) The first circumstance is that C has reached the age of 18 and has not yet reached the age of 22 on the day on which C makes or is treated as making a claim for a jobseeker’s allowance.

(3) The second circumstance is that C’s claim for a jobseeker’s allowance is made or treated as made on or after the date that these Regulations come into force.

(4) The third circumstance is that C is registered at a Jobcentre Plus office that is located within a pilot area.

(5) The fourth circumstance is that C is required to meet the jobseeking conditions(1).

(6) The fifth circumstance is that C has not provided evidence of a Level 2 qualification in English or Maths or both.

Requirement to participate in Phase One of the Scheme and initial notification

5.—(1) Subject to regulation 7, a claimant (“C”) selected in accordance with regulation 4 is required to participate in Phase One of the Scheme, including attending an assessment with the Scheme provider, where the Secretary of State gives C a notice in writing complying with paragraph (2).

(2) The notice must specify—

(a) that C is required to participate in Phase One of the Scheme, including attending an assessment with the Scheme provider;

(b) a description of Phase One of the Scheme in which C is required to participate;

(c) the day on which C is required to start participation in Phase One of the Scheme;

(d) the date, time and location at which the assessment will take place;

(e) the purpose of the assessment;

(f) that the requirement to participate in Phase One of the Scheme will continue until any of the circumstances in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of regulation 7(2) apply; and

(g) the consequences of failing to participate in Phase One of the Scheme, including failing to attend an assessment with the Scheme provider.

(3) Any changes to the details mentioned in paragraph (2) must be notified by the Secretary of State to C in writing.

Subsequent notifications

6.—(1) Subject to regulation 7, a claimant (“C”) who, following an assessment in accordance with regulation 5 or 8, the Secretary of State is satisfied does not possess skills in English or Maths or both at a standard equivalent to the skills required to obtain a Level 2 qualification is required to—

(a) attend skills training in English or Maths or both; and

(b) participate in further assessments if appropriate;

where the Secretary of State gives C a notice in writing complying with paragraph (2).

(2) The notice must specify—

(a) details of what C is required to do by way of continued participation in Phase One of the Scheme; and

(b) information about the consequences of failing to continue to participate in Phase One of the Scheme.

(3) Any changes to the details mentioned in paragraph (2) must be notified by the Secretary of State to C in writing.

Circumstances in which requirement to participate in Phase One of the Scheme is suspended or ceases to apply

7.—(1) The requirement for C to participate in Phase One of the Scheme does not apply for any period during which the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations apply so that C is not required to meet the jobseeking conditions.

(2) A requirement to participate in Phase One of the Scheme ceases to apply to C if—

(a) the Secretary of State gives C notice in writing that C is no longer required to participate in Phase One of the Scheme; or

(b) C has ceased to be registered at a Jobcentre Plus office that is located within a pilot area; or

(c) C has participated in Phase One of the Scheme for a cumulative period of 6 months; or

(d) C ceases to be entitled to a jobseeker’s allowance.

(3) If the Secretary of State gives C a notice in writing under paragraph (2)(a), the requirement to participate in Phase One of the Scheme ceases to apply on the date specified in the notice.

Requirement to recommence participation in Phase One of the Scheme

8.—(1) Where—

(a) a claimant’s (“C”) requirement to participate in Phase One of the Scheme ceases to apply in accordance with regulation 7(2)(a), (b) or (d); and

(b) the circumstances specified in regulation 4(2) to (6) are met;

the Secretary of State may require C to recommence participation in Phase One of the Scheme, including attending an assessment, by giving C a notice in writing complying with paragraph (2).

(2) The notice must comply with regulation 5(2)(b), (f) and (g) and specify—

(a) that C is required to recommence participation in Phase One of the Scheme, including—

(i) where C has not previously had an assessment with a Scheme provider in accordance with regulation 5(1), that C is required to attend an assessment with the Scheme provider; or

(ii) where C has previously had an assessment with a Scheme provider in accordance with regulation 5(1), that C is required to attend an additional assessment;

(b) the day on which C is required to recommence participation in Phase One of the Scheme;

(c) the date, time and location at which the assessment will take place; and

(d) the purpose of the assessment.

(3) Any changes to the details mentioned in paragraph (2) must be notified by the Secretary of State to C in writing.

(1)

See section 17A(10) of the Act for the meaning of “jobseeking conditions”.