Only around 2,200 of the 15,000 work coaches employed by the Department in October 2020 were newly recruited in that month

New figures confirmed by DWP Minister are less than half the number of new recruits that the Work and Pensions Secretary had said would be in post by October 2020

The DWP has confirmed that just under 2,200 of the 15,000 work coaches employed by the Department in October 2020 were newly recruited in that month.

While Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey announced in July 2020 that 4,500 new work coaches would be 'in post' by October 2020, the DWP only launched a 'rapid recruitment plan' in mid-September 2020 with the result that last week the DWP was only able to confirm that the new recruits were 'lined up'.

Now, in response to a Commons written question from Labour MP Seema Malhotra, who requested further details of recent recruitment activity, Employment Minister Mims Davies has confirmed that -

‘The current number of work coaches employed is 15,028 which includes 2,194 recruited in October 2020.’

NB - Ms Davies also provided an update on current average workload figures -

‘The average caseload for each full-time equivalent Work Coach is 280.25, this includes the light touch cases where some of the customers are already in work. However, the average caseload where the customer is on an intensive work search programme is just over 180.’

Ms Davies’ written answer is available from parliament.uk