Written question asked by Bob Spink (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 8 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2009. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentre Plus: Essex

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether free at the point of use telephones are available to Jobcentre Plus customers in each jobcentre in Essex.

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 whether free at the point of use telephones are available to Jobcentre Plus customers in each Jobcentre in Essex. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""We have Customer Access Telephones in all our Jobcentres in Essex. These telephones are free for our customers to access a range of services. They are primarily used to make enquires about benefit claims and other services offered by us. They can also be used to contact employers and other agencies that can help customers find work. On request we can also make other telephones available, at no cost, for customers to telephone prospective employers or make other relevant calls."

Secondary information