I propose to take Questions Nos. 1115 and 1116 together.
The Public Employment Service (PES) is delivered through Intreo and is supported through contracted external services delivered under the JobPath, the Local Employment Services, Job Clubs and the Employability services.
In December 2019, after an open and transparent procurement process, my Department engaged external consultants to review all current contracted public employment services (PES), including JobPath, the Local Employment Services, Job Clubs and Employability.
The successful tender, a joint bid by UK-based non-profit bodies, the Institute for Employment Studies and Social Finance, began reviewing the existing contracted PES, engaging with several current contract holders and other stakeholders.
I understand this report is currently being finalised. It will inform the broader process whereby the importance of ensuring our labour market activation services are fit-for-purpose and provide value for money is balanced with the pressing need to ensure services are in situ when needed by those who have lost their jobs as a result of the ongoing public health crisis.