Outsourcing

That this House notes with concern the use of private contractors in delivering front-line services across the Department for Work and Pensions; further notes that current services run by private firm Serco include the Initial Evidence Interview, General Enquiries and Advanced Payments, and Personal Independence Payments Mandatory Reconsideration; notes that the recently announced Restart Scheme, which aims to give jobseekers enhanced support to find jobs, will be run by numerous private firms across the UK on a payment by results basis; expresses alarm that Serco, which has secured further contracts in the Department this financial year to deliver call handling and support, has recently received support from up to 450 directly employed DWP staff in order to tackle high call volumes; notes that many private firms have failed to deliver adequate services within the DWP, affecting some of the most vulnerable people in society; supports the Public and Commercial Services union in their calls for in-housing of all services within the DWP to ensure the best support for service users as well as better terms, conditions and pay for staff; and calls on the DWP to work closely with unions and third-sector organisations to build a stronger Department that puts claimants and their needs at the heart of its operations.