Mandatory Work Activity was launched in May 2011 and is targeted at a small group of claimants and referral to MWA is at Jobcentre Plus Adviser discretion. MWA is a work placement of 30 hours a week lasting for four weeks. The placements are sourced by contracted providers in organisations/institutions that deliver a community benefit.
The aim of MWA is to move claimants closer to work through:
Gaining a better understanding of labour market discipline via the work placement and;
Demonstrating to claimants that receipt of benefit for those able to work is conditional on their willingness to search for and take-up employment.