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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions according to what criteria new Jobcentre Plus offices will be risk assessed; and what protection will be offered to staff in offices determined to be high risk. [14226] Mr. Nicholas Brown: Risk assessments for each of the new Jobcentre Plus offices have been carried out within the framework of a Generic Risk assessment which was developed earlier in the year in consultation with staff representatives. This Generic Risk Assessment recommended a wide range of potential risk control measures which Risk Assessors used as a basis for completing risk assessments at each Pathfinder office. The list of control measures set out in the Generic Risk assessment is not prescriptive and assessors were free to make whatever recommendations were appropriate to each office. Drawing on those assessments, and following consultation with local trade union health and safety representatives, a series of extra security measures have been introduced. These include wide coverage by closed circuit television; training for staff in how to handle difficult situations; better management in each office to avoid difficult situations building up; panic alarms; and more visible and effective security guards. Additionally, in each pathfinder area there are screened facilities to deal with individuals and parts of the business which pose a greater risk.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

374 c578W; 14226

Session

2001-02

Subjects

CCTV Health and safety Jobcentre Plus Staff Offices Working conditions Training Security Safety Trade unions Risk assessment

Link

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