The Department for Work & Pensions’ outsourced Work Programme has seen 207,883 people enter work under the shared services programme.

The Work Programme, based on a pay-by-results basis has seen the greatest value of any back-to-work initiative, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA).

While the overall figures have been high, only 31,000 people had reached the three or six month period that resulted in the suppliers reaching the pay-for-results stipulation.

Minister for employment, Mark Hoban, said: “While these figures show progress is being made, the government is clear that there is more to be done. Each provider has a performance development plan and the department is managing them vigorously to constantly improve performance. Formal contract letters requiring improvement have been issued to those providers with the lowest performance to date.”