More find jobs under work programme

More than 168,000 jobseekers have been helped into lasting jobs through the Work Programme by the end of June – two years after it began.

Ministers said the programme, which has been criticised by unions and the Labour Party, was “significantly improving”, with more people finding permanent work.

Providers get paid most when people stay in work for six months, or three months for the hardest to help.

The DWP said many more people have started work under the programme but have not reached the six-month point yet.

Employment Minister Mark Hoban said: “The figures show that large numbers of people previously at risk of long-term unemployment are finding a job and staying in work for six months and more.”