HC Deb 30 April 2002 vol 384 cc715-6W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions further to his answer to the hon. Member for Hertsmere of 14 February 2002,Official Report, column 633W, on Jobcentre Plus offices, when he expects to receive the report from the Health and Safety Executive on Jobcentre Plus offices; and if he will publish it. [40201]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have written to the Department's Director of Human Resources following the HSE's inspection of three Jobcentre Plus pathfinder offices. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library.

The Director of Human Resources has met with representatives of the HSE to discuss the issues raised and has, in conjunction with the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, taken steps to ensure that these issues are dealt with effectively. A copy of his reply has also been placed in the Library.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans the Government have to increase security at the new Jobcentre Plus centres; and if he will make a statement. [51232]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

Fifty six integrated Jobcentre Plus offices are already open and operating effectively—with positive feedback from staff and customers. For each of these offices a full health and safety risk assessment has been conducted and its recommendations implemented in full. These risk assessments have also been reviewed in the light of experience of live operations.

The measures implemented to support the safety of staff and improved customer service as a result of the risk assessments include:

Closed circuit television;

Better management in each office to avoid difficult situations building up, for example floor managers to greet customers and guide them through their visit;

Where recommended by risk assessments, security guards with clear instructions as to when to intervene;

In each pathfinder area screened facilities to deal with situations likely to give rise to particular risk;

A clear zero tolerance policy under which determined action will be taken against, anyone threatening or abusing Jobcentre Plus staff.