§ Mr. Ian McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what circumstances claimants of jobseeker's allowance may receive travelling expenses from the Employment Service for the journey that they make to attend the jobcentre for their fortnightly review; and if she will make a statement. [27029]
§ Mr. ForthAs now, under jobseeker's allowance the Employment Service will not pay travelling expenses to claimants for the journey that they make to the jobcentre for their normal fortnightly attendance.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what circumstances an unemployed person may make a new claim for jobseeker's allowance by post; and if she will make a statement. [27032]
§ Mr. ForthPeople wishing to make a new claim for jobseeker's allowance will normally be given an appointment to attend their local jobcentre in person for an interview with an employment officer. This ensures that they have access to the Employment Service's range of services and opportunities at the earliest opportunity. Making a new claim by post will however be allowed when exceptional adverse weather or other local310W circumstances prevents the jobseeker from the reaching the jobcentre, or when the jobcentre itself is closed to the public due to some exceptional circumstance. Arrangements will then be made for the jobseeker to attend the jobcentre in person for a full interview as soon as the situation allows. Jobseekers who live at a considerable distance from their nearest jobcentre will also be able to make a new claim for JSA by post, if attendance at the jobcentre would require them to be absent from home for more than eight hours. The Employment Service will arrange for them to have a full interview with a visiting officer at a location convenient to their home within four weeks of the date of claim.