Jobcentre Estate 2021-03-08
2021-03-08
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of Jobcentre Plus sites to support an increased number of jobseekers due to the pandemic.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that the jobcentre estate is adequately equipped to support an increased number of jobseekers. The pandemic has led to a surge in unemployment, requiring more resources and staff at Jobcentre Plus sites.
As part of our estates expansion and renewal programme, the DWP will rapidly increase the number of Jobcentre Plus sites in new locations where they are needed. By summer, we will have bolstered face-to-face support with 13,500 additional work coaches to ensure a covid-safe environment for both claimants and staff.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP notes that many people over the age of 50 are now seeking work due to pandemic-related layoffs.
How can my hon. Friend ensure that the Jobcentre Plus estate and its staff are equipped to help jobseekers who are in their 50s and 60s, who have paid their taxes and national insurance for decades and need bespoke personal assistance to find a new job?
We are supporting people of all ages back into work, including the over-50s. DWP has a network of 50-plus champions throughout JCPs and new funding to ensure tailored support for everyone, including those aged 50 or more.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The MP raises concerns about the difficulty for rural businesses to access jobcentres due to distance and poor transport.
What assurances can my hon. Friend give that rural businesses will be actively engaged by Jobcentre Plus, as it is especially important that young people looking for work in such communities are able to access local jobs through kickstart?
Our JCPs are engaged with local recovery plans, including in rural areas. In North Devon, funding is provided for a youth flow partnership involving local businesses and chambers of commerce to assist young people through the kickstart scheme.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The MP asks about the specifics of a new Jobcentre Plus location and staffing in his constituency.
Can the Minister confirm how many work coaches are due to work at the new site and how they will be helping my constituents in Stockton South?
A lease has been signed on a new jobcentre in Dunedin House, with 49 new work coaches recruited and 20 to be based there. The site is due to open by the end of this month.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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The MP acknowledges the proactive work of Worthing jobcentre but questions what specialist help is available to UC claimants looking at self-employment.
What specialist support will be available to UC claimants looking to boost their incomes through self-employment in the future?
DWP work coaches can refer interested claimants to our new enterprise allowance programme and other local sources of advice. This offers participants over a year's support from a mentor to develop their business plan.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The MP thanks the staff at Burnley jobcentre and asks about steps being taken to support those who are newly unemployed.
What steps is the Department taking to support people in Burnley who find themselves out of work due to the pandemic?
Alongside our plan for jobs, we have recruited almost 400 extra work coaches in Cumbria and Lancashire with a further 90 joining soon. We set up a DWP youth hub in partnership with local authorities and are working with employers to provide kickstart placements.
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