The government has increased its efforts to meet its target of getting 500,000 people into work by the end of June. 

More than 150 temporary job centres have opened this week across the country, and more than 150 Youth Hubs.

The Department for Work and Pensions also initiated a rapid recruitment drive to hire 13,500 new Work Coaches to support job seekers.

It says work coaches at jobcentres are at the forefront of the government’s drive to help people access the support they need to get into work.

“We know how much people benefit from getting into work – both financially and for their wellbeing.”, said Work and Pensions Secretary of State, Thérèse Coffey, “And from getting any job first, they can get a better job next and then progress to a career.”

More jobcentres to come

A further 50 jobcentres are expected to open to the public in the coming months as efforts ramp up to get jobseekers into work faster, through the Way to Work campaign. People will need to look for work in a sector they may not have previously considered. Those on Universal Credit, will have four weeks to find a job or risk having their benefits penalised. 

Thérèse Coffey, said: “Jobcentres and Youth Hubs are crucial to get people into work, and will help level up opportunity across the country.”

Work Coach at Wigan Mesnes House Jobcentre Plus, Mike Cook said: “Being able to provide support and guidance to people in the local community on their journey to gain sustainable long-term employment, and therefore improving their lives, is the most rewarding and important aspect of my job as a Work Coach for the Department for Work and Pensions.

The government says the move demonstrates it is investing in the skills and opportunities of young people and helping people into work as part of its levelling up plans.

 

 

 

 

Feyaza Khan has been a journalist for more than 20 years in print and broadcast. Her special interests include neurodiversity in the workplace, tech, diversity, trauma and wellbeing.