Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Liz Blackman (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 11 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentre Plus (Staffing)

Question: I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. May I tell him that Derbyshire Jobcentre Plus is well on target to meet the Department's required recruitment levels at both clerical and executive grades? The capacity and expertise are therefore already in place at local level. However, what are my right hon. Friend's contingency plans should further demand on Jobcentre Plus become evident?

Answer: Clearly, we will look at that at each pre-Budget report and Budget, but we believe that we have put in place the right number of people for the situation that we face. I am sure that my hon. Friend would join me in taking this opportunity to pay tribute to Jobcentre Plus staff, who are doing a fantastic job. They are coping with almost twice the number of claims of two years ago, but processing benefits three days quicker. We should recognise that in the House.

Secondary information