Unemployment Benefit Offices and Jobcentres

HC Deb 18 February 1986 vol 92 cc149-50W

118. Mr. Robert B. Jones

asked the Paymaster General whether he is satisfied with the arrangements for co-ordination between unemployment benefit offices and jobcentres.

Mr. Lang

We are exploring ways of increasing co-operation between benefit offices and jobcentres. to ensure that unemployed people are helped to take advantage of job vacancies and other services. To strengthen links, a number of projects are under way to provide a range of information and advice in benefit offices. In addition, the two sets of offices are co-operating closely on pilot schemes to provide in depth interviews at jobcentres for people who have been unemployed for more than a year.