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<p>The economy and labour market have improved since the introduction of our employment
programmes. Long-term unemployment has fallen by 35% since 2010 to 509,000, the lowest
level in six years. The support we provide to claimants needs to reflect recent labour
market changes and the needs of claimants. That is why there will be an increase in
funding and new contracted provision to help people with disability and health conditions
and the very long-term unemployed return to and remain in work.</p><p>The Mandatory
Work Activity and Community Work Placement contracts come to an end in March 2016.
We always intended to review the contracts at this time. We will provide support to
the long-term unemployed through a strengthened JobCentre Plus offer for those out
of work for 12-24 months, and for anyone still unemployed after 2 years we will refer
them to contracted provision for further support.</p><p>This approach builds on our
best evidence of what works to support claimants back into work, and gets a good deal
for the taxpayer.</p><br />
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