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Jobcentre Plus

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 hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 31 October 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking what advice and training on dealing with customers with autistic spectrum disorders is available for employees of Jobcentre Plus and what provision has been made to assist people ""with autistic spectrum disorder under the Jobcentre Plus Customer Management System. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Jobcentre Plus has two training products for equipping its staff with the skills and knowledge to deal effectively with disabled customers, including autistic spectrum disorders. These are:""Working with Customers with a Health Condition and Disability [developed in consultation with external partners, including Mencap and Mind]; and""Skills to Help Customers with a Health Condition and or Disability.""To support their training advisers have a number of templates they can refer to when dealing with customers, the Autistic Spectrum Disorders template provides details about autistic spectrum disorders; the effects they have on individuals, the implications for work and the possible types of support an individual might need in employment. This information was approved by the National Autistic Society.""In addition, all Jobcentre Plus staff have access to information about autistic spectrum disorders through guidance on our Intranet.""The Customer Management System (CMS) is part of the Jobcentre Plus modernisation programme. Jobcentre Plus prefers customers to claim benefits by telephone but CMS also supports face-to-face and postal contact.""First Contact Officers work in our contact centres, they receive training to help them identify customers who are unable to use the phone and offer them alternative methods of contact. Customers can be represented by a third party (including an appointee) who would provide information on the customer's behalf either by phone, or whilst accompanying the customer to the office for a face-to-face meeting.""Alternatively, a claim form can be issued. Our Standard Operating Model, including the facility to use clerical claim forms, should be used by all staff.""I hope this is helpful."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

451 c262-3W; 95059

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Autism Jobcentre Plus

Link

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