HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1344-6W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement concerning JobCentre Plus' Vision for London plan, with reference to(a) the number of (i) permanent and (ii) temporary posts, that will be moved out of London, (b) the timescale for the moves, (c) the expected impact on services for JobCentre Plus clients (i) in general and (ii) those from minority ethnic communities without English as a first language, (d) the extent to which those staff providing services for London JobCentre Plus clients from out of London will be expected to have a related knowledge of the jobs market (A) in the different parts of London geographically and (B) in the different parts of London's economy and (e) the impact of the move on the likely numbers of JobCentre Plus staff from minority ethnic backgrounds. [136831]

Mr. Browne

The 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 Mr. Andrew Dismore, dated 20 November 2003:

As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the Jobcentre Plus Vision for London and it's impact on our customers and staff. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.

It may be helpful if I explain that like the rest of my Agency, London region has embarked on a process of incremental change to deliver modern, effective and responsive services to our customers. Our priority is to provide the best possible service to our customers. The Jobcentre Plus London Vision is a generic title that encompasses a range of Department of Work and Pensions, National Jobcentre Plus and Regional change initiatives to achieve this aim. In general terms and by 2006, I aim to have in place a network of new modernised offices and support services which: enhance access and provide improved service to a much larger customer base; ensure better value for money through delivery of more efficient processes, and provide more satisfying and rewarding jobs for staff in more pleasant and professional working environments.

Part of the change programme which is included in the London Vision, includes initiatives that, over time, will offer wider choice to our customers about how they access support and services. I envisage, for example, that by 2006 many more of those who can will be able to access appropriate services remotely, via Jobseeker Direct, Employer Direct and our network of First Contact Centres for new claims to benefit. To provide the best possible service to our customers within our finite resource a number of our non customer facing roles will be delivered outside of London. The extent and numbers of jobs that will be relocated will be clearer in the new year, once some key decisions are taken about our backroom benefit processing roles. I would however stress that we plan to retain local capacity to provide face-to-face service for customers who cannot take advantage of other means of accessing the help and support they need.

You may be aware of the Department of Work and Pensions Departmental Plans. These plans show that the Department will see a reduction in the number of staff it employs from 130,000 in 2002 to 112,000 in 2006 as part of the Spending Review undertaken in 2002. Jobcentre Plus in London (including existing London region staff based in Scotland and North West England) will see a reduction in the level of full time staff providing services to London Customers from 12,318 in April 2002 to 10,769 in March 2006 according to our latest planning assumptions. Underlying these headline numbers is the ongoing impact of London's dynamic labour market. The region is currently looking to recruit up to 700 new staff into London this year and has a proven track record of recruiting ethnic minorities. I am confident further recruitment will be needed next year.

The introduction of the new Jobcentre Plus services will change the sorts of jobs available to staff in London. By 2006, more of my staff in London and other regions, will be providing face-to-face services to those customers who most need this form of help. It is true that over time the type and location of work will change, but I am confident that there will be jobs for everyone currently working in London.

I know that the London Field Director, Sheelagh Keyse, is keen to assess all aspects of her change programme. Consultation on individual initiatives takes place in the normal progress of business. In addition, and in order to assess the overall strategy, Sheelagh has commissioned a review of the entire London Change Programme led by DWP consultants. This review is due to report in December and further information will be available in January 2004, and I would like to offer you the opportunity to meet with Alan Brown who will be taking over as the Field Director for London to discuss the impact of changes on our London workforce.

I hope this is helpful.