To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether Jobcentre Plus Support contracts will replace (a) new provision for newly unemployed (non-professional) support delivered by programme centres and (b) support for newly unemployed professional and executive customers. (271705)

The Jobcentre Plus Support Contract is planned to commence in December 2009. It will replace the new provision for newly unemployed customers (non professionals). Support arranged for newly unemployed professionals will not be affected by this change. Approximately 15-20 per cent. of the overall budget for the period December 2009 to March 2010 for support contracts is expected to be spent on support for the newly unemployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate she has made of the cost to her Department of the Jobcentre Plus support contracts in each of the next three years. (271706)

Current estimates are shown in the following table:

These figures are based on assessments made prior to the 2009 Budget. The Jobcentre Plus support contract is currently half way through a two stage procurement process. Detail on the breakdown of funding was set out in the Pre Qualifying Questionnaire (PQQ) information. Funding levels can be adjusted by DWP to reflect increased or decreased volumes.