Jobcentres to work with local authorities to improve support

Jobcentres are set to update their approach to helping jobseekers get back into employment, starting in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, through council collaboration.

Jobcentres will now provide resources such as a Coaching Academy, careers events focused on local growth sectors, and more personalised Jobcentre appointments, with the trail starting yesterday (Wednesday 4th June) in Wakefield. This is the start of the biggest reform of Jobcentres in decades, and focuses on a local-led approach to tailor services and resources, ending the Whitehall-led, one-size-fits-all approach.

A new part of Jobcentres will be the Pathfinder, which will look at new ways to ensure people receive the best employment support, and is being co-desigined with local leaders from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Local Authority.

This is a direct response to the insight that only nine per cent of employers currently recruit through Jobcentres, and so a series of careers event focused on local growth centres will be deliver din Wakefield to match local talent with local opportunities.

Additionally, Jobcentre in Wakefield is trialling a ‘Coaching Academy’ to train up Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) staff to best support jobseekers. Changes to appointments will mean DWP services in Wakefield will provide more personalised support for claimants to help them move into stable, long-term work.

Minister for employment Alison McGovern said: “Our one-size-fits-all, tick box approach to jobs support is outdated and does not serve those looking to better their lives through work.

“We are building a proper public employment service in partnership with local leaders that truly meets community challenges and unlocks opportunity.

“The launch of the Pathfinder in Wakefield is the first step in this transformation as we continue to Get Britain Working, boost living standards and put more money in people’s pockets, under our Plan for change.”