Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Jobcentre Estate

Monday 8 March 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Department will rapidly increase the number of Jobcentre Plus sites and staff to support more jobseekers due to pandemic-induced unemployment.
  • DWP has a network of 50-plus champions and new funding to ensure tailored support for jobseekers aged 50 or more.
  • Local recovery plans in rural areas include funding for youth flow partnerships involving local businesses to assist young people through the kickstart scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Antony Higginbotham
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the adequacy of Jobcentre Plus sites to support an increased number of jobseekers due to the pandemic.

Question

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.

Answer from Mims Davies

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Rob Butler
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP notes that many people over the age of 50 are now seeking work due to pandemic-related layoffs.

Question

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?

Answer from Mims Davies

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Selaine Saxby
Employment Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about the difficulty for rural businesses to access jobcentres due to distance and poor transport.

Question

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?

Answer from Mims Davies

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP asks about the specifics of a new Jobcentre Plus location and staffing in his constituency.

Question

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?

Answer from Mims Davies

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Tim Loughton Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP acknowledges the proactive work of Worthing jobcentre but questions what specialist help is available to UC claimants looking at self-employment.

Question

What specialist support will be available to UC claimants looking to boost their incomes through self-employment in the future?

Answer from Mims Davies

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Antony Higginbotham
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP thanks the staff at Burnley jobcentre and asks about steps being taken to support those who are newly unemployed.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to support people in Burnley who find themselves out of work due to the pandemic?

Answer from Mims Davies

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email