This is a report (commissioned by PCS) by Steve Davies, senior research fellow at Cardiff University's school of Social Sciences, into the provision of employment related services by the third sector.

The report comes as the government seek to increase the role of the private and voluntary (third) sector in public service provision and raises serious doubts about the ability of the third sector to deliver functions currently provided by Jobcentre Plus. The critique questions whether there is the capacity in the third sector to deliver key public services in areas such employment, health,  community care and children's services.

It goes on to attack the claim that the third sector has a consistently better record in the provision of employment services than in-house staff and argues that where Jobcentre Plus staff have been allowed the same flexibilities and funding as private sector companies or charitable organisations they have been able to compete with, if not surpass, the performance of contractors.

The report also warns that the advocacy role and independence of voluntary organisations could be compromised as the reliance on government contracts increases.

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