Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Deferred
Return jobseeker preferred sector pursuit period to three months for Jobcentre approach change.
Conclusion
As a first step to changing the approach of Jobcentres, DWP should return the period during which jobseekers can pursue opportunities in their preferred sector to 3 months. (Recommendation, Paragraph 92)
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on capital investment in Jobcentre physical infrastructure and the Workplace Transformation Programme, detailing efforts to improve building design and technology, which does not address the recommendation about the job search period for preferred sectors.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Through capital investment, DWP is committed to transforming our Jobcentre spaces so that our physical infrastructure is adaptable and responsive to the needs of our customers, colleagues, and local and national partners. The Workplace Transformation Programme is centred on maximising the value of our workspaces, reducing surplus capacity, and improving the conditions in which our services are delivered. Capital investment enables us to create adaptable environments that address barriers to engagement. Subject to trialling, this includes spaces that support the development of service delivery models that extend beyond DWP and reflect the importance of partner services in addressing customer challenges and barriers to work. We have created Innovation Hubs in four existing Jobcentres to test changes and inform plans for investment in updated Jobcentre design, helping us to decide how we focus limited funding to achieve maximum effect. The hubs are located across Great Britain in: • Worsley (North-West England) • East Kilbride (Scotland) • Stratford (London) • Porthcawl (Wales) Changes include: • Flexible spaces that can be changed easily to allow DWP teams and local partners to work together. They can be adapted to suit local needs and provide services that directly support our customers. • Digitally enabled spaces, customer tech bar with devices supporting self-service, coaching building digital confidence, and multi-functional hub with video conferences facilities. • New front of house areas to support a trauma informed approach – with calming biophilic design and clear signage enabling navigation and increased self-service. • Enhanced Welcome and Triage, a Welcome point supporting customer orientation on arrival where designated colleague(s) meet and greet customers with scheduled appointments and unscheduled queries/footfall. • Dedicated quiet and customer waiting areas, alongside redesigned work coach desks with built in acoustic panels providing privacy to build trust. • Digital screens inside and outside the buildings show clear, up to date information on local and national services. This helps customers to stay informed and find what they need easily. DWP is also implementing a comprehensive asset management strategy informed by the Office for Government Property’s Whole Life Asset Management Tool. Other factors considered in our investment choices include customer demographics, cost, and modern design standards.