HC Deb 28 March 1995 vol 257 cc615-6W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the duties and job objectives of the client advisers appointed by his Department to liaise with claimants of unemployment benefit or other benefits granted as a consequence of unemployment; and whether these objectives include facilitating clients to find work or a place on a training scheme. [16726]

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter front M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 28 March 1995: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the duties and objectives of Employment Service (ES) client advisers. Employment Service (ES) client advisers have two main objectives: to help people into work as soon as possible by providing them with practical advice and information about jobs, training and other opportunities that are available; and to make sure people claiming benefit understand and comply with the conditions under which it is paid. These are that people are available for, capable of and actively seeking work. To fulfil these objectives all my offices offer our unemployed clients a structured and coherent information and advisory service which is based on regular interviews with an adviser. At these interviews clients are able to discuss their situation, the steps they are taking to find work and the employment and training opportunities which are available. The aim of each interview is to assess the client's situation, determine their needs and agree an appropriate course of action which, if taken, will offer the client the best chance of success in their search for work. As part of this, our advisers liaise closely with employers, providers of employment, training and other opportunities, to maintain their knowledge of the jobs market and make sure clients have access to as wider range of opportunities as possible. They are also able to give clients advice and information on other benefits, including benefits available to people in work. I hope this is helpful and assures you of our intent to provide our clients with as much practical help as possible to support their search for work.