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Session
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2005-06
Type
House
Session
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2005-06 (121)
Year
Department
Member
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Answering member
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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will cease the practice of job centres writing their clients’ name and national insurance number on warrants issued to them for travel in order to reduce opportunities for identity theft.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will cease the practice of job centres writing their clients’ name and national insurance number on warrants issued to them for travel in order to reduce opportunities for identity theft.
Asked by
Shailesh Vara
(Conservative)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 October 2006
For answer on
1 November 2006
Answered on
7 November 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking if he will cease the practice of jobcentres writing their client’s name and national insurance number on warrants issued to them for travel in order to reduce opportunities for identity theft. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Jobcentre Plus’s preferred method of dealing with payment of travel expenses is reimbursement of the travel expenses by either cash or cheque, but where the customer is unable to meet the initial travelling expense a travel warrant can be issued in advance.""When issuing travel warrants, we are not required to enter a National Insurance number and, as an interim measure, a communication will be issued to all staff reminding them to use the customer’s name only.""I share your concern that our processes should protect both customers and the public purse. I have therefore asked my Jobcentre Plus Products and Services Management Division to review our use of National Insurance numbers where there is potential risk of aiding identity fraud.""I hope this is helpful."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Travel
Date
7 November 2006
Reference
451 c1139W; 98375
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobcentre staff in Northern Ireland have been the victims of assault in each of the last three years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobcentre staff in Northern Ireland have been the victims of assault in each of the last three years.
Asked by
David Simpson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 October 2006
For answer on
20 October 2006
Answered on
25 October 2006
The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) has 10 jobcentres which form part of a network of 35 regional offices. The remaining 25 offices are Jobs and Benefits Offices (JBO) which are administered jointly with the Social Security Agency, Department for Social Development (DSD).There have been no reported incidents of physical assault on staff in any of the 10 jobcentres in the last three years. There have been five reported incidents of physical assault in Jobs and Benefits Offices in each of the last three years involving one DEL member of staff, one Social Security Agency member of staff and three contract staff as follows:
| Number of incidents | |
| October 2003 to October 2004 | 3 |
| October 2004 to October 2005 | 1 |
| October 2005 to October 2006 | 1 |
Subjects
Crimes of violence; Jobcentres; Northern Ireland
Date
25 October 2006
Reference
450 c1857W;450 c1863W; 96425
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how frequently jobcentre plus staff are provided with training to update them on changes to the process of claiming incapacity benefit and disability living allowance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how frequently jobcentre plus staff are provided with training to update them on changes to the process of claiming incapacity benefit and disability living allowance.
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 October 2006
For answer on
9 October 2006
Answered on
19 October 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 19 October 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how frequently Jobcentre Plus staff are provided with training to update them on changes to the process of claiming incapacity benefit and disability living allowance. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""All our staff undergo comprehensive training prior to answering calls from customers wishing to make a new benefit claim, including claims for Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). When changes are made to the process of claiming IB or DLA we ensure staff are informed and receive appropriate training at the time.""Claims for DLA are dealt with by the Disability and Carers Service (DCS) and enquiries about DLA will normally be referred to DCS."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus; Training
Date
19 October 2006
Reference
92047; 450 c1405W;450 c1411W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Job Centre Plus advisers (a) there are, (b) there are per 1,000 population and (c) there are per square mile in (i) rural and (ii) non-rural areas.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Job Centre Plus advisers (a) there are, (b) there are per 1,000 population and (c) there are per square mile in (i) rural and (ii) non-rural areas.
Asked by
Chris Huhne
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 July 2006
For answer on
14 July 2006
Answered on
19 October 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 19 October 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many Jobcentre Plus advisers a) there are, b) there are per 1,000 population and c) there are per square mile in (i) rural and (ii) non-rural areas. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Between April 2005 and February 2006 there were 9,285 full time equivalent Personal Advisers. The latest census figures (April 2001) show the population of England, Wales and Scotland as 57.1 million. This equates to one adviser per 6000 population or 0.167 per thousand. It is not possible to state the number of advisers there are per square mile in rural and non rural areas, as this information is not routinely collected and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.""At the inception of Jobcentre Plus in 2002, Districts developed service delivery plans in consultation with local stakeholders, taking into account local communities and population densities, availability and cost of public transport and the potential for outreach services. Adviser numbers were allocated proportionately to the customer load in these outlets.""I hope this is helpful."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus; Staff
Date
19 October 2006
Reference
450 c1405-6W;450 c1411-2W; 85925
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made on migration to a fully electronic customer relationship management system in Jobcentre Plus offices; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made on migration to a fully electronic customer relationship management system in Jobcentre Plus offices; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Lord Boswell of Aynho
(Conservative)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 October 2006
For answer on
9 October 2006
Answered on
16 October 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie dated 16 October 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the progress made on the migration to a fully electronic customer relationship management system in Jobcentre Plus. This is something, which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""I can confirm that the Customer Management System (CMS) has been implemented alongside the rollout of Jobcentre Plus offices. As at 26 September 2006, CMS has gone live in 834 offices including 23 Contact Centres.""I hope this is helpful."
Subjects
Jobcentres; ICT; Jobcentre Plus
Date
16 October 2006
Reference
91705; 450 c970W;450 c976W
House
House of Commons
I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but will she take a close look at what is happening with the jobcentre in Stoke-on-Trent? People with dyslexia are asking to be kept in touch with the Department either by e-mail or phone, but they are still getting the same letters churned out by the central computer. When the disability equality scheme comes into effect on 4 December, will she make sure that those concerns are fully addressed by Government?
I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but will she take a close look at what is happening with the jobcentre in Stoke-on-Trent? People with dyslexia are asking to be kept in touch with the Department either by e-mail or phone, but they are still getting the same letters churned out by the central computer. When the disability equality scheme comes into effect on 4 December, will she make sure that those concerns are fully addressed by Government?
Asked by
Joan Walley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
16 October 2006
I thank my hon. Friend for her supplementary question. I know that she does a lot of hard work in her constituency on disability issues. The Department is fully committed to being an exemplar, both in the provision of online and telephony services to our disabled customers and as an employer. When we publish our diversity and equality action plans later this year, we will highlight where there is a requirement for review and improvement of our systems.
Subjects
Disability; Jobcentres; Dyslexia; Stoke on Trent; Department for Work and Pensions; Communication; ICT; Information services
Date
16 October 2006
Reference
450 c577
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of trained psychotherapeutic counsellors working in or in partnership with job centres.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of trained psychotherapeutic counsellors working in or in partnership with job centres.
Asked by
Stephen Crabb
(Conservative)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 July 2006
For answer on
9 October 2006
Answered on
9 October 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 9 October 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what estimate he has made of the number of trained psychotherapeutic counsellors working in or in partnership with Jobcentres. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Jobcentre Plus does not directly employ staff to provide psychotherapeutic counselling. In Pathways to Work areas, Personal Advisers are able to refer their customers to a Condition Management Programme which can include access to psychological therapies. Although these services are funded by Jobcentre Plus, they are commissioned, and supplied, by local Primary Care Trusts. We are therefore not able to provide details of the number of staff involved.""In addition, Jobcentres have many local (non-contractual) partnerships with a variety of voluntary and community organisations that offer support to individuals on issues such as coping with life and substance or alcohol abuse. Although counselling is used by some of these organisations, we have no data on whether or not they specifically use trained psychotherapeutic counsellors."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Psychiatry
Date
9 October 2006
Reference
450 c29W;450 c28-9W; 89997
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what was (a) the staffing bill and (b) the overtime bill for Jobcentre Plus in each year of its operation to date.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what was (a) the staffing bill and (b) the overtime bill for Jobcentre Plus in each year of its operation to date.
Asked by
Danny Alexander
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 July 2006
For answer on
20 July 2006
Answered on
2 October 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what was the (a) staffing bill and (b) the overtime bill for Jobcentre Plus in each year of its operation to date. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""The figures for total staff costs from 2002-03 to 2004-05 are taken from the published Jobcentre Plus Annual Report and Accounts, copies of which can be found in the House of Commons library.""The total staff costs recorded in the annual accounts and the overtime figures in the supporting records for the period 2002-2005 are shown below. The figures for 2005/06 are the unaudited staff and overtime costs from the draft Agency accounts."
"The total staff costs include the salaries of permanent and casual staff, temporary duties allowance, overtime, superannuation costs and payment for early release schemes. There was an increase in staff costs from 2004-05 to 2005-06 of £120 million despite a headcount reduction of over 3,500 whole time equivalents. The main reasons for this were the increase in employer's pension contributions of £65 million and £60 million to fund early retirements to reduce headcount."
| £000 | ||||
| 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |
| Staff costs | 1,712,111 | 1,669,766 | 1,757,687 | 1,878,128 |
| of which: | ||||
| Overtime costs | 24,373 | 22,853 | 18,577 | 23,583 |
Subjects
Jobcentres; Expenditure
Date
2 October 2006
Reference
87539; 449 c2590W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus offices have reduced their opening hours in each parliamentary constituency in the last 12 months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus offices have reduced their opening hours in each parliamentary constituency in the last 12 months.
Asked by
Julia Goldsworthy
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 June 2006
For answer on
16 June 2006
Answered on
2 October 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many Jobcentre Plus offices have reduced their opening hours in each parliamentary constituency in the last 12 months. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""A total of 73 Jobcentre Plus sites have had a reduction in opening hours since 31 May 2005. For approximately half of these sites, the reduction in hours amounts to less than one day per week. It is not possible to provide information broken down by parliamentary constituency, this information is gathered at a district level. The information available is set out in the attached table, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.""Jobcentre Plus Offices will normally open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm every working day with a later opening one day per week to support staff development. The day of the week will vary from office to office depending on local circumstances. (There are a ""small number of offices, which operate fewer hours meeting local needs, and these are gradually being phased out). Key stakeholders are consulted on how customer services will be delivered when major changes of opening hours are proposed."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Working hours
Date
2 October 2006
Reference
449 c2589-90W; 78547
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which voluntary and private sector organisations have been contracted by his Department to deliver (a) disability awareness and (b) other training to Jobcentre Plus staff.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which voluntary and private sector organisations have been contracted by his Department to deliver (a) disability awareness and (b) other training to Jobcentre Plus staff.
Asked by
Joan Walley
(Labour)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 July 2006
For answer on
6 July 2006
Answered on
24 July 2006
Voluntary and private sector organisations have been involved with Jobcentre Plus since its inception to design, develop, deliver and quality assure the training provided to their staff.Details of the providers available to Jobcentre Plus staff for support on the diversity agenda and for learning and development across the business have been placed in the Library.
Subjects
Jobcentres; Training
Date
24 July 2006
Reference
449 c881-2W; 83328
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobcentres are operating in (a) non-rural and (b) rural areas of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobcentres are operating in (a) non-rural and (b) rural areas of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Iris Robinson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 2006
For answer on
17 July 2006
Answered on
19 July 2006
The Department helps employers fill their vacancies and assists jobseekers to find employment through a network of 35 offices (25 Jobs and Benefits offices, JBOs where a joint work-focused service is provided with the Social Security Agency and 10 jobcentres) located in towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland.There are eight offices serving the city of Belfast, two in Londonderry, and one each in the cities of Armagh, Lisburn and Newry. The remaining 22 offices are located in each of the main rural towns of Northern Ireland.In order to deliver the Government's policy on welfare to work the Department is working in partnership with the Social Security Agency to provide a joined up work focused jobs and benefits service. 25 of the planned 35 offices have been rolled out as J and BO’s and it is expected that rollout of the remaining 10. Namely Andersonstown, Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Bangor, North Belfast, Cookstown, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Newtownards and Strabane will be complete by March 2008.
Subjects
Jobcentres; Northern Ireland
Date
19 July 2006
Reference
86318; 449 c474-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many job vacancies were listed at Jobcentre Plus in Hartlepool constituency in each year since 1997.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many job vacancies were listed at Jobcentre Plus in Hartlepool constituency in each year since 1997.
Asked by
Iain Wright
(Labour)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 June 2006
For answer on
12 June 2006
Answered on
19 July 2006
[pursuant to the reply, 26 June 2006, Official Report, c.54W]: Information on Jobcentre Plus vacancy data at parliamentary constituency level is only available from April 2004 and is set out in the following table.
| Hartlepool Parliamentary Constituency | ||
|---|---|---|
| Period | Vacancies notified to Jobcentre Plus | Average number of 'live' unfilled vacancies on any given day |
| 2004 (from April) | 5,040 | 1,150 |
| 2005 | 5,080 | 1,120 |
| Source: Jobcentre Plus Labour Market System |
Subjects
Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus; Vacancies; Hartlepool
Date
19 July 2006
Reference
449 c483W; 77176
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received on the closure of much of the Jobcentre Plus office in Cotlands Road, Bournemouth; what assessment he has made of (a) the capacity of the revised arrangements to deal with inquiries from claimants unable to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations he has received on the closure of much of the Jobcentre Plus office in Cotlands Road, Bournemouth; what assessment he has made of (a) the capacity of the revised arrangements to deal with inquiries from claimants unable to...
Asked by
John Butterfill
(Conservative)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 May 2006
For answer on
15 May 2006
Answered on
6 July 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 6 July 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what representations he has received since the closure of much of the Jobcentre Plus office in Cotlands Road Bournemouth; what assessment he has made of (a) the capacity of the revised arrangements to deal with inquiries from claimants unable to get help or advice on the telephone and (b) the number of officers in management roles at the Chippenham office; what the average time taken to process an application for benefits has been in each of the last three months. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""I fully accept that the services offered to our customers in Bournemouth and Poole over the last few months has not been as I would want. We are part of the way through the creation of a network of Benefit Delivery Centres to modernise the processing of claims for benefit. Chippenham, which serves customers in Bournemouth and Poole, is one of these sites and I regret to say that there have been a number of local issues which have had the effect of reducing the level of service below acceptable levels. Specifically, we have been short of experienced staff and some key management posts were unfilled which has inhibited our ability to respond to local problems. Experience levels are growing and we have recently filled all of the management posts. We now have four senior managers on site and 22 junior managers to support them.""We have developed a local improvement plan and a number of steps have already been taken with some early signs of improvement showing through in the data for April. These steps include the recruitment of 38 additional staff and the transfer of four experienced Incapacity Benefit staff from another site to bolster experience levels. We have also reviewed our internal process from first contact by the customer to payment, which will reduce the time it takes to assess claims. We are reviewing progress against this plan weekly and putting in place arrangements to clear the arrears of claims that have built up by lending Chippenham additional help from outside.""I have set out in the attached tables the latest data on claims clearance at Chippenham and representations received. Neil Couling, Director of Benefits and Fraud, would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss these.""Finally, you ask about the difficulties being experienced by customers getting through to Chippenham by phone. Some technical issues have exacerbated problems but I am pleased to say that these issues are being addressed. Our contractors hope the service will start to improve in July. Benefit Delivery Centres have a key role to play in supporting the improvements to our services, including improving processing times and reducing fraud and error in the benefit system. For customers who are unable to access our services through the telephone or electronically, we still have other options including office interviews and home visits.""I hope this is helpful."
Subjects
Closures; Bournemouth; Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus
Date
6 July 2006
Reference
71264; 448 c1347-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how Jobcentre Plus handles the requirements of jobseekers who have difficulty in using the telephone.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how Jobcentre Plus handles the requirements of jobseekers who have difficulty in using the telephone.
Asked by
Lord Boswell of Aynho
(Conservative)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 June 2006
For answer on
8 June 2006
Answered on
19 June 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how Jobcentre Plus handles the requirements of jobseekers who have difficulty in using the telephone. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""As part of our service modernisation we encourage all new claims to be made over the telephone. However we recognise this is not suitable for everyone. We have put alternative arrangements in place, including a face-to-face interview at the local Jobcentre, or a home visit if this is more appropriate.""Additionally, we can arrange for a third party/nominated advocate to represent the customer on the telephone. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, a Textphone/Minicom service is available, or we can arrange for a British sign language interpreter to be present at a face to face interview.""These alternative arrangements are set out in our leaflet, ‘Jobcentre Plus?Our Service Standards’, a copy of which is enclosed.""All Jobcentre Plus staff should receive diversity and equality training and this ensures that they are aware of these options.""Jobcentre Plus is about to commission a programme of research to look at whether certain groups, such as customers with specific physical and/or learning difficulties have problems making contact. The results of this research will be available by early summer 2007.""I hope this is helpful."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus; Telephone services
Date
19 June 2006
Reference
76316; 447 c1692W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus offices closed in 2005-06; and how many are planned for closure in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Jobcentre Plus offices closed in 2005-06; and how many are planned for closure in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08.
Asked by
David Laws
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 March 2006
For answer on
18 April 2006
Answered on
13 June 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question on how many jobcentre plus offices closed in 2005/06; and how many are planned for closure in (a) 2006/07 and (b) 2007/08. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""The shape of the Jobcentre Plus network is under continual review. Following the creation of Jobcentre Plus in 2002 a programme of closures emerged. A detailed service delivery planning exercise was carried out in each District, in consultation with local stakeholders, to identify the locations from which new processes and services would be delivered. Jobcentre Plus inherited a network of around 1500 offices from the former Employment Service and Benefits Agency. It was established during the service delivery planning process that many were unsuitable due to the fabric of the building, location or both. These factors influenced the shaping of the future network. For these reasons a total of 206 offices have closed since 1st April 2005. A further 113 offices are scheduled to close in 2006/07 and 8 during 2007/08. In addition there are a number which are scheduled to close but for which final closure dates are subject to further planning and stakeholder consultation.""Secondly, as a result of a decision in September 2004 to centralise the processing of benefits, 35 offices have been identified for closure once processing work has migrated out of those locations. Four have closed during 2005/06. The closure dates for the remaining offices is subject to more detailed planning but the assumption is that a further 10 will be closed during 2006/07 and the remaining 21 sites during 2007/08.""We continue to evaluate our services and the network of offices from which they are delivered to ensure efficiency. Any site identified as a potential closure, as part of this process, is referred to the Minister of State for consideration. To date 12 offices have been agreed for closure. The actual dates for these closures are currently being finalised but the expectation is that they will occur during 2006/07."
Subjects
Closures; Jobcentres
Date
13 June 2006
Reference
63377; 447 c1140-1W;447 c1141W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance has been given to jobcentres, including Jobcentre Plus Partnerships, on the restricting of references to a geographical area to meet the requirements of race relations legislation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance has been given to jobcentres, including Jobcentre Plus Partnerships, on the restricting of references to a geographical area to meet the requirements of race relations legislation.
Asked by
Philip Davies
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Hodge of Barking
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 April 2006
For answer on
20 April 2006
Answered on
12 June 2006
I have been asked to reply.The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what guidance has been given to jobcentres including Jobcentre Plus Partnerships on the restricting of references to a geographical area to meet the requirements of race relations legislation. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Jobcentre Plus guidance states that employers are permitted to set out requirements in job advertisements, such as the arrangement of transport from an allocated location to take employees to and from a place of work. Where an employer ""wishes to state that potential applicants must reside in a particular town or city this cannot be accepted, as it may exclude some groups of people.""Jobcentre Plus must ensure that it meets its obligations under equal opportunities legislation. Where Jobcentre Plus staff have concerns that an employer is placing restrictions that may exclude potential applicants, they advise the employer of this and suggest alternative wording."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Race relations
Date
12 June 2006
Reference
64824; 447 c920-1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he plans (a) to replace and (b) to refurbish the Social Security Agency office on Hamilton Road in Bangor; what the timescale for any such rebuilding or refurbishment is; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he plans (a) to replace and (b) to refurbish the Social Security Agency office on Hamilton Road in Bangor; what the timescale for any such rebuilding or refurbishment is; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Lady Hermon
(Ulster Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Hanson of Flint
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 February 2006
For answer on
15 February 2006
Answered on
7 June 2006
The Bangor Social Security Office is included in the rollout of jobs and benefits offices as part of the welfare reform agenda. The Social Security Agency and Department for Employment and Learning are currently considering a number of proposals for provision of the new office. These include both the refurbishment of the existing office or a number of new build schemes. A decision is unlikely before May 2006.A target date for completion will be agreed once contracts have been awarded.
Subjects
Jobcentres; Bangor (County Down)
Date
7 June 2006
Reference
52378; 447 c699-700W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what results were achieved by the action team for jobs based in Leytonstone; what the cost was of the action team’s work; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what results were achieved by the action team for jobs based in Leytonstone; what the cost was of the action team’s work; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Harry Cohen
(Labour)
Answered by
Jim Murphy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Work and Pensions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 May 2006
For answer on
18 May 2006
Answered on
5 June 2006
Since its inception in October 2000, the Waltham Forest action team, which is based in Leytonstone, has engaged with 12,592 disadvantaged customers and has helped 3,424 people into work. The total cost, for the period April 2002 to March 2006, was £2,034,306.Many of the practices and ideas developed by action teams have been integrated into Jobcentre Plus mainstream programmes and services. Examples include outreach work in local communities and the greater discretionary funding that is available to advisers.Our future strategy will build on the success of action teams, and other community-based initiatives; including the introduction of a Deprived Areas Fund (DAF) from October 2006 and the Cities strategy proposed in our recent Green Paper.
Subjects
Jobcentres; Waltham Forest
Date
5 June 2006
Reference
72616; 447 c1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many jobseeker's allowance and incapacity benefit claimants were dealt with in the Putney jobcentre in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many jobseeker's allowance and incapacity benefit claimants were dealt with in the Putney jobcentre in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Justine Greening
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Hodge of Barking
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 April 2006
For answer on
18 April 2006
Answered on
27 April 2006
[holding answer 18 April 2006]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many Jobseeker's Allowance and Incapacity Benefit claimants were dealt with in the Putney Jobcentre in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06. This is something which fall within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Information on the total number of claimants dealt with in Putney Jobcentre during 2004–05 and 2005–06 is not available. However, Putney Jobcentre had on average 1649 claimants to Jobseeker's Allowance during each day of 2004–05 and 1700 during each day of 2005–06.""Incapacity Benefit claimants could have used Wandsworth Social Security office (now the site of Wandsworth Jobcentre Plus) for any enquiries, or they could have contacted a processing centre by telephone. They would not have used the Putney office.""I hope this helpful."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus; Putney
Date
27 April 2006
Reference
64398; 445 c1288W;445 c1288W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much his Department spent on providing jobcentre services in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06 in the London borough of Wandsworth, broken down by (i) jobcentre and (ii) (A) capital and (B) resource spending; and if he will make...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much his Department spent on providing jobcentre services in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06 in the London borough of Wandsworth, broken down by (i) jobcentre and (ii) (A) capital and (B) resource spending; and if he will make...
Asked by
Justine Greening
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Hodge of Barking
(Labour)
Answering body
Jobcentre Plus
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 April 2006
For answer on
18 April 2006
Answered on
24 April 2006
The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Lesley Strathie:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking (a) what his Department spent on providing Jobcentre services in 2004–05 and 2005–06 in the London borough of Wandsworth, broken down by (i) Job Centre and (ii) (A) capital and (B) resource; and (b) how much his Department plans to spend on Wandsworth Jobcentre Plus in 2006–07. This is something that falls under my responsibility as chief executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Jobcentre Plus devolves budgets and accounts for expenditure to district level which, in this case, would cover Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth.""As the district boundary does not correspond with that of the London borough of Wandsworth it is not possible to give details of expenditure or budgets for specific London boroughs or individual Jobcentre Plus offices."
Subjects
Jobcentres; Jobcentre Plus; Wandsworth
Date
24 April 2006
Reference
445 c916-7W;445 c916-7W; 64397
House
House of Commons