The Income Support (Pilot Scheme) Regulations 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations establish a pilot scheme under the Jobseekers Act 1995. The scheme relates to persons who claim income support and who fulfil the criteria in regulation 3 as to age, the period over which such persons have been receiving benefit (as defined) continuously and location of appropriate offices at which such persons are required to attend (as identified in the Schedule (“relevant persons”).

Regulation 4 provides that relevant persons must participate in Project Work (a programme established by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment) if they are, or have been receiving benefit during a requisite period following an employment interview and are required to do so by written notice. That regulation also prescribes the period during which relevant persons must participate in Project Work and exceptions to the rule that relevant persons must participate in Project Work.

Regulation 5 provides that relevant persons will be treated as not available for employment if they refuse or fail to participate in Project Work or lose their place on Project Work due to misconduct and prescribes the periods during which the sanction is to apply.

This regulation also provides that the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1967) shall have effect as if persons treated as not available for employment under this regulation were also treated as not available for employment under those Regulations.

Regulation 6 prescribes circumstances where a relevant person is not required to participate in Project Work.

These Regulations do not impose a charge on business.