§ Mr. Ian McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how employment levels in the Benefits Agency will be affected by the implementation of the jobseeker's allowance; [9792]
(2) how many surplus staff there will be in the Benefits Agency as a result of the implementation of the jobseeker's allowance. [9791]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe Benefits Agency will be taking over payment of the contributory element of what is currently unemployment benefit when jobseeker's allowance is introduced. There will be no jobs cut in the Benefits Agency as a result of the implementation of jobseeker's allowance nor will there be any surplus staff.