DWP announces 80 new temporary jobcentre sites, with ‘dozens more’ expected to follow

However, Minister says that opening of new sites is 'not about reversing previous decisions' on renewal of DWP estate

The DWP has announced 80 new temporary jobcentre sites, and confirmed that 'dozens more' are expected to follow.

Setting out details of the new jobcentres today, the Department said that -

'The sites, some of which are already up and running, will be in addition to the existing 639 jobcentres already supporting those looking for work, and will house some of country’s 13,500 new work coaches - 10,000 of which have already been recruited.'

The DWP also confirmed that the 80 new temporary jobcentres are the first phase of its programme to expand support in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with 'dozens more' expected to follow.

In addition, in a written statement to parliament, Minister for Employment Mims Davies said -

On top of the 13,500 new work coaches who will be in place by the end of this financial year, this expansion of our Jobcentre network will bolster existing capacity, enabling work coaches to provide tailored, face-to-face support in a Covid-secure environment. This expansion will drive forward our ambitious £30 billion Plan for Jobs, helping people back into the labour market right across the UK...

As the economy recovers, we will review the need for these temporary sites on an ongoing basis, to ensure we are continuing to strike the right balance between providing essential services for claimants and delivering value for money for the taxpayer.

This is not about reversing previous decisions on the broader renewal of the DWP estate, rather it is a temporary measure, in direct response to the pressures the pandemic has placed on the labour market.'

For more information, see Boost for jobseekers as new Jobcentres offer more frontline support and, for the locations of the new jobcentres, see Temporary jobcentres during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from gov.uk