This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Withdraw consent from Work Programme Providers'.

 
 
 
DWP Central Freedom of Information Team
To: Andrew Smith 
 
e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.  
gov.uk
Annex A 
Our Ref: FOI 735
 
 
28 February 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Mr Smith 
 
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request which was received on 14 February 2014. 
In that request, you asked: 
 
“RE: Withdraw consent from Work Programme Providers 
http://refuted.org.uk/2013/10/12/withhold/ 
Can you see the above website and verify that I am well within my rights to withdraw 
consent from the Work Programme provider without the risk of sanctions or any other 
problems.” 

 
The Freedom of Information Act concerns the provision of recorded information.  There is no 
requirement for the Department to provide an opinion on whether a person can or cannot 
undertake a particular activity. 
 
Where Jobcentre Plus mandates an individual to the Work Programme, their participation 
remains mandatory until they find work or are told that their participation is to end.  Participants 
must do all they can to find work, or increase their prospects of finding work.  If they do not, 
they risk a benefit sanction. 
 
However, whilst on the Work Programme, participants may withdraw consent that they have 
given where it concerns their provider sharing data with a third party. 
 
Where participants have given their consent for the Work Programme provider to share their 
data with a third party, they may withdraw this consent at any time. 
 
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number 
above.   
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
 
DWP Central FoI Team 
 
 
 

 
 
 
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Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act 
 
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team, Caxton House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NA. Any 
review request should be submitted within two months of the date of this letter.  
 
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information 
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have 
exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information 
Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF www.ico.gov.uk