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Jobseeker Assistance

Answer

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how Jobcentre Plus handles the requirements of jobseekers who have difficulty in using the telephone. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""As part of our service modernisation we encourage all new claims to be made over the telephone. However we recognise this is not suitable for everyone. We have put alternative arrangements in place, including a face-to-face interview at the local Jobcentre, or a home visit if this is more appropriate.""Additionally, we can arrange for a third party/nominated advocate to represent the customer on the telephone. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, a Textphone/Minicom service is available, or we can arrange for a British sign language interpreter to be present at a face to face interview.""These alternative arrangements are set out in our leaflet, ‘Jobcentre Plus?Our Service Standards’, a copy of which is enclosed.""All Jobcentre Plus staff should receive diversity and equality training and this ensures that they are aware of these options.""Jobcentre Plus is about to commission a programme of research to look at whether certain groups, such as customers with specific physical and/or learning difficulties have problems making contact. The results of this research will be available by early summer 2007.""I hope this is helpful."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

76316; 447 c1692W

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Jobcentres Jobcentre Plus Telephone services

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk