Recommendation 21

We followed this up by asking whether within districts there are areas that are performing better. The Department confirmed that within districts there is variation in headcount numbers at jobcentre level.47 The Department emphasised that it manages performance and attrition at all levels and that there is collaboration between jobcentres within clusters and districts. It explained that, where there is a shortfall in work coaches, other jobcentres are helping. For example, it asked jobcentres in Scotland to support jobcentres in the Southern and London and Essex regions with non-core activities that could be done virtually. It said this helped to smooth resource but also created the opportunity for learning between jobcentres.48 40 Qq 47, 50 41 Q 50 42 C&AG’s Report, para 3.8, Figure 11. There are 2.9 million Universal Credit claimants with ‘No work-related requirements’, which means the Department does not expect them to work or meet with a work coach because, for example, they are too ill, are over State Pension age, or have significant caring responsibilities (C&AG’s Report, Figure 3). 43 Q 34 44 Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions, 29 May 45 C&AG’s Report, Appendix One, paras 8-10, 13-14 46 Q 34 47 Qq 35-36 48 Q 36 15 Evaluating the effectiveness of jobcentre support