§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the future of call centres in London for Jobcentre Plus clients. [136830]
§ Mr. BrowneThe administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from David Anderson to Andrew Dismore, dated November 2003
As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the future of call centres in London for Jobcentre Plus clients. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
Contact Centres are an essential part of the new Jobcentre Plus process and allow customers to make claims by telephone without the need to attend a Jobcentre Plus office. The range of services offered by contact centres will be increased in time, along with the ability for customers to make claims via the internet.
The Department for Work and Pensions is currently undertaking a review with all of its operational businesses, including Jobcentre Plus, to determine overall requirements for contact centre capacity for the period up to 2007. This report is likely to be issued towards the end of the year. This will then inform decisions that will be made regarding the future of the three existing London contact centre sites.
I hope this is helpful.