Steps 2 Success Statistical Bulletin (October 2014 to September 2016) published

The Steps 2 Success statistical bulletin, providing an overview of referrals, starts and employment outcomes for the programme, was published by the Department for Communities today.

Key findings:

• A total of 41,435 clients have been referred to the Steps 2 Success programme from its inception on 20th October 2014 to 30th September 2016.
• At the end of September 2016, a total of 35,904 clients had started the programme, of which 71% were in the JSA 25+ category, 23% were in the JSA 18-24 category and 6% were in the JSA Early Entry category. Only a small number of ESA and Voluntary clients have started the programme.
• The into employment statistics contained in the bulletin focus on those clients who started the programme during the first 12 months (between October 2014 and September 2015) as the majority of these clients have completed the programme. For this period 26% (6,393) of clients have moved into employment.
• The percentage of clients moving into employment varies across the three Contract Areas from 31% in the Southern region to 26% in the Belfast region and 22% in the Northern region. The overall expected performance level is 28%.
• Approximately 35% of clients within the JSA 18-24 category who started the programme during the first nine months have moved into employment, compared to 24% from the JSA 25+ category and 20% of JSA Early Entrants.
• The six month sustainment statistics contained in the bulletin focus on those clients who started the programme during the first six months (between October 2014 and March 2015) as the majority of these clients have completed the programme and have had time to sustain employment for six months. For this period 14% (2,493) of clients have sustained employment for six months.
• Early into employment figures for clients who started the programme during the first 24 months (between October 2014 and September 2016), show that Steps 2 Success has helped 8,011 clients into employment. As the majority of clients from the latter monthly cohorts are still on the programme, the number moving into employment for this period is expected to increase over time. 

Notes to editors: 

1. The Steps 2 Success statistical bulletin provides an up to date overview of the Department for Communities main employment programme.
2. The publication covers the period from October 2014 to September 2016. 
3. The publication is produced quarterly in February, May, August and November each year.
4. Previous publications are available from the Department’s website
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Communities Press Office on 028 9082 3505 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.  Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.                            

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