Written question asked by Baroness May of Maidenhead (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 April 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 April 2009. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentre Plus: Interviews

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance her Department has issued to Jobcentre Plus on the duration of jobseeker's interviews; whether jobseeker interviews are required to be on a one-to-one basis; how frequently jobseekers may be required to sign on; what recent guidance her Department has issued to Jobcentre Plus on caseload management; and if she will place in the Library a copy of this guidance.

Answer: Jobcentre Plus operations are built around the need to provide the support that people need to help them find work as soon as possible.The average length of the initial interview is 40 minutes, but the actual time taken will vary depending upon individual customer needs. Everyone making a claim for jobseeker's allowance (JSA) has this one-to-one interview with a personal adviser to assess their circumstances, discuss and set in place a jobseeker's agreement and make sure they have information about and access to the help they need. The interview may be shorter if, for example, some of the information is already held.Following the initial interview, jobseekers are normally then asked to attend the local office fortnightly for a jobsearch review. The average time allocation for these contacts is 7.5 minutes, but the actual time taken will vary depending upon customer needs. For those people who do not find work quickly, a review is undertaken at or around 13 weeks. The average length of this review is 20 minutes, but the method of delivery and duration of contact will vary, depending upon individual needs. Further interviews take place if the claim lasts longer and interviews taking place at key points such as six months would be of a longer duration.Detailed guidance has been issued to Jobcentre Plus staff, particularly in view of the introduction of new services in April. Copies have been placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 496 c1300-1W; 271621
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2009-2144
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Jobcentres Interviews Jobcentre Plus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk