§ 2. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many jobcentres there are in England and Wales; what is the total number of staff employed at jobcentres; and how many persons are responsible for the administration of the jobcentre network.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Peter Morrison)There are 896 jobcentres and employment offices in England and Wales with 9,168 staff.
The administrative, management and specialist support provided for the entire jobcentre and employment office network, including offices in Scotland, totals 1,420 staff.
§ Mr. SimsI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that information. Is he satisfied that the siting of jobcentres in prime positions and the number of personnel employed in their administration represent the most efficient use of limited resources? Is there not scope for some economy?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs my hon. Friend will be aware, I have had responsibility for jobcentres for only about three months. Like him, I am concerned to save taxpayers' money. He may be assured that I am monitoring very carefully both the siting policy and the administration of jobcentres.