Evidence on the effect of Pathways to Work on existing claimants

The Pathways to Work pilots were introduced for new (and repeat) Incapacity Benefit (IB) claimants in three Jobcentre Plus districts in October 2003 and a further four Jobcentre Plus districts in April 2004. In February 2005, a modified version of Pathways was extended to existing IB claimants with claims of around one to three years length. In April 2006, eligibility was further extended to include those with claims of up to six years. This study provides estimates of the impact of Pathways on existing customers from the initial extension only. This study was conducted by researchers at the Policy Studies Institute and is based on \\\'duration analysis\\\' of administrative and survey data. In sum, the results appear encouraging, to the extent that they have identified significant effects on employment entry and benefit exit for existing customers.