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Written question asked by Rupert Lowe (Independent (affiliation)) on Thursday, 16 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2025. It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Jobcentres: English Language

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department requires (a) Jobcentre staff and (b) benefits advisers to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition of employment.

Answer

DWP complies with the requirement of the Immigration Act 2016 in requiring all of its employees in public-facing roles to speak English fluently, as outlined in the Government’s code of practice at www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-language-requirement-for-public-sector-workers-code-of-practice. This includes jobcentre staff and benefits advisers.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
82832
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Conditions of employment Jobcentres English language
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk