Group Work/Jobs II: Technical Report on the Impacts of the Trial

This technical report assesses the Group Work program, designed to enhance job search skills, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social assertiveness among benefit claimants, particularly targeting those with mental health issues and low self-efficacy. The evaluation, led by ICF for the Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care, employed a Zelen design Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) and an Intention to Treat (ITT) approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected at baseline, six months, and twelve months, with non-response weights to address bias. Initial findings showed positive effects on mental health and self-efficacy at six months, especially for participants with lower initial self-efficacy and higher anxiety and depression, but these benefits were not sustained at twelve months. No significant impact was found on employment rates, job search activities, or wider health outcomes. Low participation rates posed challenges for the trial. The report concludes that while the program had short-term benefits, sustained effects may require additional interventions and a more targeted approach for those with greater employment barriers. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: Department for Work and Pensions
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Randomised control trial (RCT)
• RCT methods: No RCT methods listed
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: July 2021

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes