With many thanks to Welfare Weekly.
Jobseekers could be forced to “sign on” every week to continue receiving benefit payments, under new plans being considered by the Government.
Currently, only benefit claimants who are deemed not to be doing enough to find a job are required to visit a Jobcentre every week.
Trials in East London and parts of the West of Scotland, where claimants signed on every week instead of every fortnight after the 13th week of their claim, found that unemployed people spent “at least an average of 2.6 fewer days on benefits than fortnightly signers”.
Other approaches to the analysis suggest that jobseeker’s spent an average of six fewer days on benefits, but the DWP said they have “less confidence in the higher figure”.
However, the DWP is said to be taking the findings “very seriously” and could eventually force all of the UK’s 1.91 million Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants to sign on every week.
Researchers also tested “speed signing” in other parts of the UK, where claimants had shorter fortnightly jobsearch reviews. “Flexible signing” was also trialled, giving Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches the flexibility to change how often JSA claimants were asked to sign on. Speed signing had “no effect”, while flexible signing resulted in one day more on benefits. A figure which the DWP says isn’t “statistically significant”.
Pilots lasted for 52 weeks following random assignment. Participation ended sooner where individuals were referred to the Work Programme or where they ended their claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Unions have condemned the idea, with the PCS union – who include Jobcentre staff among its members – accusing the Government of “punishing the jobless”.
The plan would also require “massive investment in Jobcentres and staff”, said PCS.
A PCS spokesperson said weekly signing “doesn’t appear to be designed to help claimants, it’s just another way for the Government to turn the screw.”
Same Difference 
So 1 day isn’t significant but 2.6 is, what is the level of error, what was the sample size. Who did the analysis the local nursery school?
The majority of JSA claimants are jobless for more than 6 months, Many more than a year.
This makes the whole study Statistical BS.
The usually Propensity for obliquity, that we have come to expect from this unelected bunch of incompetent ass-holes.
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Speed signing? I am in and out in less 2 minutes,until last week,30+ arrived at our new signing on time,herded like cattle,sign and go,have a question? wait until one of your unannounced meetings with your “Work Coach?” and still get no answers,over 50 training was announced just before christmas,see your work coach,not a bloody clue. Ironic how the phone booth outside JCP+ has an advert”Change in circumstance? call 0345″ on the other side? “Turn in a benefit cheat 0800”
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Given the understaffing at JCs, who do they imagine will be assisting with the signing? Where are they going to get the obviously needed extra staff from? This sounds like more fantasy policy from Duncan-Smith.
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What about the lack of Jobs. What’s the point in trying to help someone get into work when there are no jobs locally for certain job roles. I was looking for work until my husband became ill. I had been looking for a number of years but due to lack of experience nobody would employ me.
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