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Jobseeker's Allowance

Answer

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the acting chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Mel Groves. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Mel Groves:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking if he will introduce measures to ensure that Jobcentre Plus offices assist Jobseeker's Allowance claimants in contacting other agencies for advice and support on debt and financial management; and if he will make a statement. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Signposting customers to appropriate agencies for advice and support on debt and financial management has long been part of the services provided by Jobcentre Plus personal advisers. To help our advisers with this, we have a comprehensive programme of blended learning designed to equip them with the range of knowledge and skills required to support all customers. This learning provides the adviser with the key skills needed to undertake effective work-focused interviews, identify barriers that may be making it harder for customers to find work and, where appropriate, signpost customers to relevant sources of help.""More specifically, the "Introduction to Customer Groups" learning and development module provides guidance on how to help customers with debt problems. This module is currently being updated to strengthen and reinforce the help that is available to customers from Third Sector Organisations, and is included in a range of learning routeways to ensure personal advisers and other staff are able to signpost customers to an appropriate source of help.""It is also worth mentioning that as part of a national partnership agreement, customers with debt problems are often referred to their local Citizens Advice Bureau, which is well equipped to offer advice and guidance.""I hope this information is helpful and assures you of our intent to work effectively with a range of partner organisations to make sure customers receive the best possible service."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

489 c269W;489 c271W; 260720

Session

2008-09

Related items

Jobseeker's Allowance
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Written questions
House of Commons

Subjects

Debts Advisory services Jobcentre Plus

Link

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