Pathways to Work from Incapacity Benefits: A review of research findings on referral practices and liaison with service providers

This working paper presents a review of research findings on the topic of referrals and working relationships between Jobcentre Plus and other organisations and practitioners helping people with health problems and disabilities. This review was carried out by Katharine Nice from the Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, as an early part of the qualitative study of referral practices in Jobcentre Plus Pathways to Work (DWP Research Report 555). This review was conducted in order to draw together and synthesise what was already known about the process of referring incapacity benefits recipients to specialist service provision. The review draws on a selection of qualitative studies completed earlier in the Pathways evaluation, and other published reports on a range of disability employment services. The review covers numerous topics, and the key findings are drawn together to identify topics and questions which were later explored in an empirical study of referral practices.