New DWP Jobcentre changes explained with shake-up set to affect millions

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced changes to Jobcentres across the UK in a bid to get more people into work. Jobcentres will be transformed across the country by the new Labour Party government, they have said.

They say every young person will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities. Mental health support is set to be expanded and extra capacity deployed to reduce waiting lists in areas with highest levels of inactivity.

Measures announced in the White Paper today (Tuesday November 26) "will fuel growth as Government rebuilds Britain in a decade of national renewal", the government said. The outdated Jobcentre system will also be transformed into a new national jobs and careers service, focused on people’s skills and careers instead of just monitoring and managing benefit claims. Mayors and councils will be empowered to join up local work, health and skills support in ways that meet the specific needs of their local areas.

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Jobcentres across Great Britain will be overhauled and in England will be brought together with the National Careers Service. This will be kickstarted by £55million of investment, to help people get into work, stay in work, build skills and progress in their career. A radically improved digital offer will be trialled to bring Jobcentres into the 21st century, with the DWP using the latest technologies and AI to provide up-to date information on jobs, skills and other support and to free up Work Coach time. Staff at Jobcentres will have more flexibility to offer a more personalised service to jobseekers – moving away from the ‘tick box’ culture. New coaching academies will also be set up to upskill jobcentre staff to better support people into work.

Adele Ablett, who has worked at the DWP for 38 years and now manages five Jobcentres and 71 Work Coaches across Cheshire said: "It’s a real privilege to support people at vulnerable times in their lives and help them find the right pathway for them – whether that be through training or work. With more customers coming through our doors with complex health needs and mental health challenges, the demand on our service has never been greater.

"The changes in the Get Britain Working White Paper will help us to amplify this support to reach more people and change more lives. It will give us more flexibility to build strong relationships with employers and organisations, so everyone sees us the way I do – as the go-to place for businesses to recruit and as a public service passionate about people and possibilities."

Clare Sumner, Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer said: "Building on our long-term investment into communities, the Premier League will contribute to the Youth Guarantee by using the power of football to engage young people who need the greatest support. Our programmes delivered by football clubs across the country play a vital role in providing inspiring opportunities and pathways to success to help the next generation fulfil their potential. We will be working with the Government to continue this important work and help extend the reach of the Youth Guarantee initiative into communities and to those who need it most."

Secretary of State Lisa Nandy said: "We’re committed to a bold new approach to shaping policy that values the aspirations and experiences of young people to give them every chance of success in life. The introduction of a Youth Guarantee, along with the co-production of a new National Youth Strategy, will help put young people back in charge of their own destiny and unlock opportunities for all young people, regardless of their postcode."