Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Work Coaches in Jobcentres

Monday 7 February 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Penrose asked about measuring, improving, and publishing the performance of work coaches in jobcentres.
  • The Minister responded that the performance of work coaches is constantly monitored and improved to enhance outcomes for individuals.
  • Margaret Ferrier inquired about the impact on lower-grade staff from cuts to fixed-term contract work coaches.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Penrose Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Questioner seeks to understand steps being taken to assess, enhance, and disclose the performance metrics of work coaches within employment offices.

Question

What steps she is taking to (a) measure, (b) improve and (c) publish the performance of work coaches in jobcentres?

Answer from Therese Coffey

We often hear about the excellent work of work coaches in jobcentres, seen by the number of people getting back into work. We aim to constantly improve their performance in terms of outcomes for individuals and will continue efforts to do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Publication of specific performance metrics and improvement measures

How: We Often Hear About The Excellent Work

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 John Penrose Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

MP seeks to discuss an external review process for assessing the comparative effectiveness of work coaches, referencing his report 'Poverty Trapped'.

Question

I completely agree that good work coaches can level up opportunities by breaking glass ceilings that hold people back, but inevitably some will be better than others, as we have seen in schools and other public services. If we publish those findings, every jobseeker and their MP will want to know how their local service compares and how it might be improved, so will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this as outlined in my recently published work, “Poverty Trapped”?

Answer from Therese Coffey

I do not agree with the suggestion about an external assessment. However, I have asked my team to look into the report and we can arrange a suitable meeting, but I want to assure him that all new work coaches are undertaking a level 4 City & Guilds qualification in service delivery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: External assessment of work coaches' performance

How: I Do Not Agree With The Suggestion About An External Assessment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

MP raises concerns over proposed cuts in fixed-term contract work coaches at EO level, questioning the impact on lower-paid AO grade staff and those losing their positions.

Question

The DWP is looking to cut thousands of fixed-term contract work coaches at EO level from jobcentres but reportedly will retain almost all staff at the lower-paid AO grade. Have the Government considered how this will impact on lower-grade staff in terms of workload and stress and how those losing their jobs will afford their living costs until they can secure a new role?

Answer from Therese Coffey

The hon. Lady is incorrect; I am conscious that she may have been given different information. The permanent secretary outlined last week a process potentially for people on fixed-term contracts, ensuring work coaches are in the right parts of the country where they are most needed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impacts on lower-grade staff and jobseekers losing positions

How: The Hon. Lady Is Incorrect

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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