Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to take steps to ensure that work-trial schemes allow people to return to previous levels of social security if they are not successful.

The DWP Work Trial scheme is one of several DWP initiatives that support jobseekers into sustainable work. Allowing some jobseekers who have successfully applied for a job, to do that job for a short unpaid period, whilst retaining benefits.

Specifically, a Work Trial can help jobseekers overcome any doubts about whether they can manage their new job alongside other commitments such as caring responsibilities or managing their disability or health condition. On top of this, DWP will offer to support the jobseeker with certain expenses incurred for the duration of the Work Trial.

Work Trials allow both the jobseeker and employer to ensure the job fits both parties before becoming an employee.

If the Work Trial does not result in ongoing employment the jobseeker will retain their benefit, and their entitlement does not change unless their circumstances do. More information on Work Trials can be found at https://www.gov.uk/jobcentre-plus-help-for-rcruiters/work-trials.