§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the incident that took place at the Jobcentre Plus office at Harlesden on 18 January. [32613]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answer 1 February 2002]: A jobseeker's allowance customer attending Harlesden Jobcentre Plus office on Friday 18 January was refused an immediate payment. Later that day he returned to the office and damaged computer equipment. Prompt action by security guards meant that the man was arrested within minutes and subsequently charged by the police.
1178WThis was a distressing incident. However, no members of staff or other customers were physically assaulted or threatened. A further health and safety risk assessment review is being conducted and lessons learned or action recommended will be implemented.