Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
DWP's 'Jobcentre in your pocket' digital tool lacks definition and fails to address AI risks.
Conclusion
DWP’s solution to a lack of work coach capacity is to use digital tools, with its flagship plan being a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’. DWP plans to deliver this digital tool in 2027–28, but has yet to define what it is, how it will work and who it is for. While it is good to see the Government bringing Jobcentres into the modern world, we believe that digital tools alone won’t be able to deliver the level of transformation needed. In particular, we are concerned that DWP has not fully addressed the risks posed by AI technology. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76)
Government Response Summary
The government's response focused on its Employer Strategy and the trial of a Recruitment Consultant role in Wakefield to strengthen engagement with local employers, but did not address the committee's concerns about the 'Jobcentre in your pocket' digital tool or the risks of AI technology.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We appreciate the emphasis on strengthening engagement with local employers and fully support the intent behind this recommendation. We agree that employer engagement is a critical lever for improving outcomes and recognise the value of encouraging proactive local approaches. As part of the creation of a Jobs and Careers Service, we have launched the Employer Strategy, which seeks to provide a better, more consistent commitment to employers. We are currently working through what metrics would drive the right employer engagement activity at a local JCP level, to ensure quality relationships which generate outcomes for both employers and customers. The Pathfinder in Wakefield is also trialling the role of a Recruitment Consultant, to understand whether a role of this type can add value in a local setting. However, we believe that setting uniform targets may not fully reflect the diversity of local labour market conditions and employer landscapes. Instead, our focus is on enabling quality, context-sensitive engagement that is responsive to local needs and opportunities. This approach allows teams to build meaningful relationships with employers that lead to sustainable and impactful outcomes. We remain committed to working collaboratively to share best practices and support continuous improvement in employer engagement across all areas.