This in from the Cabinet Office, in their own words. Ed
Employment Minister Esther McVey (pictured) has hailed the new rules as a fundamental shift in expectations which helps put to an end the one-way street to benefits where people start claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance by just signing-on without first taking steps to make themselves attractive to employers.
Employers looking to fill vacancies want people who are prepared, enthusiastic and job-ready. That is why, from the end of this month, we will begin asking jobseekers to take the first basic steps to make themselves employable before meeting with a Jobcentre Plus adviser, and then if necessary meet more regularly with their adviser so they get more support up front.
Minister for Employment Esther McVey said:
“With the economy growing, unemployment falling and record numbers of people in work, now is the time to start expecting more of people if they want to claim benefits. It’s only right that we should ask people to take the first basic steps to getting a job before they start claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance – it will show they are taking their search for work seriously.
“This is about treating people like adults and setting out clearly what is expected of them so they can hit the ground running. In return, we will give people as much help and support as possible to move off benefits and into work because we know from employers that it’s the people who are prepared and enthusiastic who are most likely to get the job.”
What’s needed prior to JCP interview
To prepare for their first interview with a Jobcentre Plus adviser, jobseekers will be asked to do things like preparing a CV, setting up an email address and registering for the Government’s new jobs website. This change will mean people start their Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claim ready to look for work and will show they are serious about finding a job as quickly as possible.
People who need it will also have more regular meetings with their Jobcentre Plus adviser – weekly rather than fortnightly – to ensure they are doing everything they can to look for work and to quickly identify any gaps in their work search.
Quarterly reviews
All new JSA claimants will also now have a quarterly review with their adviser where they will review their progress and job goals to identify what more they can do to move into work. This will mirror reviews that are carried out in the workplace to look at achievements and areas for development.
These new measures are being introduced as figures show the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell by over 363,000 on the year, which is the largest annual fall since 1998. The number of young people claiming JSA has been falling for the last 21 months (But remains seasonal on the Isle of Wight. Ed).
Image: Community Spaces under CC BY 2.0
