Some points I would like to add for readers:

“long term unemployed” means 6 months or more claiming JSA and not the several years it implies. 6 months is a long time without a job, especially on such low income, however, in this economic climate where so many people are chasing such a few jobs this is happening.

The intention for contracting out the Jobcentre Services seem to be the first step of placing welfare services in the private sector. Why? Simple, there will always be a DWP who would award contracts, pay out millions of taxpayers money a week; however Jobcentre Plus would become a franchise.

The benefits are:

* Exempt from Freedom of Information Act – procedures etc. can stay more secret, as private businesses are not required to comply (only public sector)

* Less financial transparency – accounts are consolidated; House of Commons and MP’s would have no right to question regarding expenditure

* Exempt from Human Rights Act 1998 – this only applies to the public sector, private businesses are exempt.

* Reduction of cabinets responsibility and accountability – will be limited to awarding contracts and not the overall services provided.

(see http://intensiveactivity.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/exposed-the-governments-love-affair-with-private-companies/ for more on this)

I hope this helps