Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Rejected
Any job' approach has alienated employers and undermined Jobcentre engagement efforts.
Conclusion
The ‘any job’ approach has not just been detrimental to claimants: it has also led employers to stop engaging with Jobcentres. Employers will use Jobcentres if it helps them find good employees, but their experience of Jobcentre candidates is often of people forced to apply just to meet benefit conditions. Efforts by DWP to engage with employers risk being undermined until Jobcentres stop pushing people into any job and start focussing on good, sustainable work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the conclusion that the 'any job' approach is detrimental, explaining the 'permitted period' policy for job search. While noting a shift away from 'any job' ethos in new services, they do not accept the recommendation at this time but will keep the policy under review.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Do not accept The period in which claimants may limit their jobsearch to their chosen field is known as the permitted period and is used in specific circumstances. This is in place to ensure that we allow claimants some time to focus on a particular sector or level of remuneration, providing clarity for work coaches to ensure we deliver a consistent service across our Jobcentre network. Once the permitted period has elapsed, work coaches will discuss transferrable skills with the claimant and support them to broaden their job goals into other sectors. This does not mean that claimants cannot continue to search for work in their preferred field. The changes to the way employment support is being delivered and will be delivered as we develop the Jobs and Careers Service represent a clear shift away from the ‘any job’ ethos. Work coaches are empowered to deliver support that is tailored to the individual’s needs and their local labour market. Work plans are created collaboratively, tailored to the claimant’s circumstances, encouraging a focus on sustainable employment. The permitted period is only applied where a claimant has previously carried out work of a particular nature, or at a particular level of remuneration, and we allow claimants flexibility in setting realistic job goals. We do not accept this recommendation at the current time but continue to keep the policy under review and will actively consider whether it remains appropriate in the current labour market.