HC Deb 29 March 2004 vol 419 cc1249-50W
Hugh Bayley

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many full-time equivalent staff have been employed by(a) Jobcentres and (b) Jobcentre Plus in each year since 1997; and how many unemployed people were served by those jobcentres in each year since 1997. [162976]

Mr. Browne

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Hugh Bayley, dated 29 March 2004: As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning how many full-time equivalent staff have been employed by jobcentres and subsequently Jobcentre Plus in each year since 1997; and how many unemployed people were served by those jobcentres in each year since 1997. This is something, which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency. The information you have asked for can be found in the table below.

Year Staff (FTE) at 30 April Unemployed at May
Employment Service
1997 31,550 1,562,400
1998 30,796 1,295,800
1999 32,675 1,224,500
2000 32,620 1,067,300
2001 34,110 942,000
Jobcentre Plus
2002 85,020 918,500
2003 80,170 924,000
2004 81,781
(as at 31 January 2004)

Source Civil Service Statistics and Nomis

It may be helpful if I explain that Jobcentre Plus came into existence in April 2002, bringing together staff from the Employment Service and part of the Benefits Agency. It deals with both claims and payments of all working age benefits as well as job-finding activities. Data on staff is collected by grade rather than job role and it is not possible to identify accurately the number of staff working in front facing customer service posts from this information.