Reply to - Mr Johnston

[FOI #9476 email]

Date: 30 March 2009

Dear Mr Johnston

Freedom of Information Act - Request for Information

Our Reference: FOI 472

I am writing to confirm that I am now in a position to reply to your request for information regarding details of contracts which have been awarded to or through the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). You requested this information on 17 March 2009.

I can confirm that no contracts have been awarded to REC for employment related provision. Expressions of interest have been advertised through REC for providers to deliver services to newly unemployed executives. The Department will use the responses to develop a list of providers which will enable eligible customers to select their provider of choice; each customer will have access to £150 of assistance, tailored to their needs.

The Department expects to have the list in place in due course and it will include both REC and non REC members, to improve the scope of provision offered to customers.

We would expect the initiative to improve both the confidence and job search skills of this customer group, and reduce the time taken for customers to return to work.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact us. Please remember to quote any reference number given above in any future communications.

If you are not satisfied with the handling of your request please tell us why, to the email address above, within two calendar months of the date of this letter. DWP will then arrange for someone to conduct an internal review of your request and the handling of it. The review will be conducted by a senior officer. This person will have taken no part in the original decision. You will be advised of the reviewing officer's decision in writing.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner to look into the way your request has been handled. Please note that generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have first exhausted DWP's own complaints procedure. The Commissioner can be contacted at:

FoI Complaints Resolution

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Fax: 01625 524 510

Email: [email address]

Yours sincerely

DWP Central FoI Team

DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

e-mail: [DWP request email]