Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 20 July 2009.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will instruct Jobcentre Plus staff to seek to schedule regular meetings with jobseekers in part-time work to take place on days when they are not regularly employed.
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 if she will issue guidance to Jobcentre Plus that it should seek to schedule regular meetings with jobseekers in part-time work to take place on days when they are not regularly employed. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Regular face-to-face contact with people is the most effective method of helping them find work quickly, and ensuring they remain entitled to payment of benefit by demonstrating they are actively seeking work. People claiming Jobseeker's Allowance are therefore usually required to attend their nearest Jobcentre for regular jobsearch reviews and more in-depth interviews with a personal adviser if they do not find work quickly. Where someone is undertaking part-time work we will make every effort to make alternative arrangements to accommodate their part time working patterns. We will, however, ensure that the guidance is clarified in this respect.
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