Job Centres—how they can help you

What can a Job Centre offer me?

• Job Centre staff can help and advise you if you're looking for a job, want to know about learning or training opportunities, or if you're unavailable for work.
• There are programmes and schemes at Job Centres designed to get you into work—incentives to travel, apprenticeships, interview & CV training, support for carers, even practical help if you're looking to start your own business. Check online for the kind of schemes available at your local Job Centre.
• If you want to find out about benefits, Job Centres can tell you what financial support you can apply for.
• Because Job Centres are part of the Department for Work And Pensions (DWP), they can put you in touch with other government departments and services such as the Pension Service, Child Support Agency and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
• Job Centres also provide information and support if you want to work anywhere in Europe.
• If you're disabled, a carer or a lone parent, Job Centres can give you extra support if you're looking for work.
• If you're unable to work, Job Centres can tell you about the financial or practical support—including childcare—that you can claim.

What can a Job Centre offer employers?

• Job Centres work with employers and local businesses, advising on recruitment needs across the UK and advertising vacancies at branches, on the phone and on the Job Centre Plus website.
• Job Centres also provide specialist help and advice on training and employment law for employers. For example, Job Centres run a scheme where a candidate can do a work trial at a local business for free and with no obligation to continue on either side.

How does a Job Centre operate?

• You can make an appointment with a personal advisor at a Job Centre branch, or you can phone—they'll call you back if you ask them to—or write a letter, fax or email.
• Job Centres are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), which means the easy-access offices are fitted with induction loops and textphones.
• If you have a disability, staff can arrange for a sign language interpreter, write to you in large print or Braille, reply on audio tape or arrange a home visit.
• Leaflets and online information about the various services and resources at your local Job Centre are available in a number of languages, including Welsh, Chinese and Urdu.