News

In a statement issued on 9 March 2012 the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that it has started a formal investigation into alleged attempted fraud by A4e. The DWP state that after being made aware of an allegation of attempted fraud in respect of its Mandatory Work Activity contract with A4e, it immediately commenced an investigation.

This follows on from the resignation of Emma Harrison, Chairman of the company on 29 February 2012 and A4e’​s decision to instruct a legal practice, White &​ Case to lead in undertaking an independent review of the company’​s controls and procedures. The DWP investigation is separate to this review and the DWP has made it clear that should evidence of systemic fraud be found in its investigation, the Department “​will not hesitate to immediately terminate”​ its commercial relationship with A4e.

The DWP statement can be found on the DWP website.

A report by the Guardian provides further information, including information about previous alleged offences by A4e and one offence that resulted in the prosecution of an A4e employee.

The report and can be found on the Guardian website.