§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will make a statement on the Jobcentre Plus computer system; and when he expects it to be fully operational in the new offices; [14034]
(2) what plans he has to ensure that Jobcentre Plus staff have access to a single computer system that will allow the linking of data from Benefits Agency and Employment Service sources; and if he will make a statement. [14299]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answers 12 and 13 November 2001]: The information technology systems being used in the Jobcentre Plus pathfinders are based on the systems currently in use in the Benefits Agency and 777W Employment Service, with enhancements to enable the Jobcentre Plus process to be carried out. All of these systems are currently operational.
We are investing in order to upgrade and replace the Department's outdated computer systems. We want to ensure that all people, including those who use Jobcentre Plus, can receive a modern service. The new and improved IT we are developing will allow us to capture the necessary information from people face-to-face or over the telephone, instead of getting them to fill in multiple benefit claim forms. And we will be able to offer on-the-spot calculations of by how much a person would be better off if they took a particular job. We will be replacing the main income support and jobseeker's allowance benefit processing systems and modernising the payment system so as to improve the efficiency of the service we provide.