DWP has confirmed plans to convert the centres from a "one-size-fits-all benefits administration service" into a national jobs, employment and careers service. 

DWP update over Jobcentre shake-up coming under Labour government

by · Birmingham Live

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update over an incoming Jobcentre shake up under the new Labour Party government. The DWP has confirmed plans to convert the centres from a "one-size-fits-all benefits administration service" into a national jobs, employment and careers service.

Liz Kendall said the UK's 650 job centres were no longer “fit for purpose”. In an interview with the Observer, she said: "Employers are desperate to recruit. People are desperate to earn money and get on in their jobs. So we need big change.

"We need to see change in our Jobcentres from a one-size-fits-all benefit administration service to a genuine public employment service. It’s not fit for purpose and it has to change." The plans are to overhaul Jobcentres and combine them with the National Careers Service to create a public employment service to provide "more personalised support" to help people work.

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The DWP plans for the Jobcentre to be an "active partner" with local organisations and services. Labour's DWP says the new Jobcentres will be driven by the expectation that people who "can work should work". If they don't engage with this, the department says there will be "clear consequences," including benefit sanctions.

The DWP noted that the UK had the "highest levels of economic inactivity" now than before the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of her drive to tackle economic inactivity, the Secretary of State will also announce a new group of external experts who will provide labour market insight and advice to drive change throughout the system.

The Labour Market Advisory Board, which will be chaired by Paul Gregg - Former Director of the Centre for Analysis of Social Policy at the University of Bath - is expected to meet quarterly and will provide advice to the Work and Pensions Secretary and offer insight, expertise, and challenge to the department’s plans.