Editorial Comment:

Focus of study

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to evaluate the prototype programme which began in July 1997 and the national programme which commenced in October 1998. The key feature of NDLP is advice and guidance provided by a Personal Adviser.

Key findings

Almost half of those who participated in the prototype found jobs during the prototype period. Of these, around half said that NDLP had helped them find and start their jobs, mainly by encouraging a positive attitude. However, the majority (68%) felt that they would have found jobs anyway. The majority of participants in the national programme who were interviewed for the evaluation felt that their chances of finding work had improved to some extent as a result of NDLP, although a significant minority felt it had not made a difference. 30% of participants covered by the Client Satisfaction Survey left NDLP for a job but only 12% had found their job through an NDLP interview. However, jobs found through NDLP were likely to be full-time and permanent (45%) than those found independently by clients (19%).

After 18 months 3.3% of lone parents had left Income Support (IS) in NDLP prototype areas compared with comparison areas. After the national roll-out 35% of NDLP leavers left Income Support for employment, although 43% continued on IS. It is too early to assess longer term impacts such as sustainability and job quality. NDLP produced public financial returns that covered its operational costs and a positive gain in terms of wider economic value. Participant satisfaction was high. Attitudes to the Personal Adviser were extremely positive, emphasising the centrality of the Personal Adviser role to the success of the process. Participants generally appreciated the information they received, and encouragement and boost to their selfconfidence. Criticisms centred on failure to provide adequate information especially about benefits and help with childcare. Some felt that advice and guidance was too general. Participants had mixed views on the effectiveness of NDLP on job search.

Additional comments

Participation in NYLP was voluntary (unlike the New Deal programmes) and the evidence indicates a large proportion of lone parents choosing to enter the programme were already seeking work and were job ready. Consequently, additionality of advisory help participants received is difficult to assess.