Latest news with #JobcentrePlus
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The 'important and urgent' issue of getting our young people into work
ONE of the challenges we face as a region is the growing number of young people not in work, education or training (so called NEETs) in the north east and Cumbria. It's an important and urgent issue, and one I discussed on a recent visit to Carlisle Jobcentre Plus. Unlocking the talent of our young people is key to our country's future. As part of its Get Britain Working plan, the biggest reform to employment support in a generation, the Government has raised the National Living Wage, improved working conditions through landmark employment legislation and begun to create jobs in high potential areas, such as clean energy industries, advanced manufacturing and defence. A central element of this plan is the new 'Youth Guarantee', which will support thousands of 18 to 21-year-olds into education, employment or training. Teesside, over in the north east, is one of eight trailblazer areas for the Youth Guarantee Scheme. This means it is a pilot for new approaches which, if successful, will be rolled out across the country. But that doesn't mean there's a lack of support for young people here in Carlisle and north Cumbria. Far from it. For example, the government is providing support to employers to take on young apprentices, including funding training costs for small businesses for apprentices aged 16-18, and removing National Insurance contributions for employers of apprentices under 25. A reformed Skills Levy will help ensure that a more skilled and adaptable workforce goes hand-in-hand with greater opportunity. On my recent visit to Carlisle Jobcentre Plus I saw for myself the tailored support available to 16–24 year-olds in their Youth Hub. Through partnerships with organisations like the Cumbria Youth Alliance, it provides access to careers advice, employability coaching, and connections to local services. Help is on hand for essential skills such as CV writing, interview preparation and job searches, as well as access to training opportunities. But if these efforts are going to be successful, we need young people to meet us halfway. If someone on benefits refuses to take up the support offered by a work coach without good reason, there will be benefits sanctions. This isn't about creating a blame culture; it's about fairness. Those who can work should work, so we are able to support those who genuinely can't. By working together, the government, employers, and young people can build an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, whether they live in the north east, Cumbria, or beyond.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected
The public has been encouraged to check their local Job Centre's opening times PLEASE HOLD Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit and other benefits are being warned of a big change coming on Monday. Jobcentre Plus offices and phone lines are closed on bank holidays so will be shut on Monday May 25. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Offices and phone lines will be closed on Monday Credit: Alamy Jobcentre Plus offices and the National Jobcentre Enquiry Line are usually closed on weekends too. Phone lines and offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 26. Some branches may be open on Saturdays so it's worth checking your nearest branches opening hours. Jobcentre Plus branches provide a range of services helping jobseekers, long-term sick or disabled people find employment or claim benefits. The government-funded employment agency and social security office, is found in most cities and towns. It was was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency. It was renamed to Jobcentre Plus in 2002 and is part of the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). The bank holiday on Monday will also see benefit payment dates altered. This is because payments are usually made the first working day before a bank holiday. Remember, if you are paid early you'll need to make the money last longer as you'll have to wait extra days until your next payment. If you are expecting an early payment and don't get it double check the dates you are usually paid and contact your bank. If you need further help or assistance you must contact the DWP. How does work affect Universal Credit? Complaints about unpaid benefits can be filed with the DWP. You can go to for more information. OTHER BENEFIT CHANGES The Government hikes benefit payments every year to keep up with the cost of food and other essentials. Benefit payments have recently risen for millions, including for those on Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance. How much yours could rise by depends on your personal circumstances. We've got a full breakdown of benefit increases here. You can also see the new rates for the 2025/26 year via
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected
HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit and other benefits are being warned of a big change coming on Monday. 1 Jobcentre Plus offices and the National Jobcentre Enquiry Line are usually closed on weekends too. Phone lines and offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 26. Some branches may be open on Saturdays so it's worth checking your nearest branches opening hours. Jobcentre Plus branches provide a range of services helping jobseekers, long-term sick or disabled people find employment or claim benefits. The government-funded employment agency and social security office, is found in most cities and towns. It was was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency. It was renamed to Jobcentre Plus in 2002 and is part of the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). The bank holiday on Monday will also see benefit payment dates altered. This is because payments are usually made the first working day before a bank holiday. Remember, if you are paid early you'll need to make the money last longer as you'll have to wait extra days until your next payment. If you are expecting an early payment and don't get it double check the dates you are usually paid and contact your bank. If you need further help or assistance you must contact the DWP. How does work affect Universal Credit? Complaints about unpaid benefits can be filed with the DWP. You can go to for more information. OTHER BENEFIT CHANGES The Government hikes benefit payments every year to keep up with the cost of food and other essentials. Benefit payments have recently risen for millions, including for those on Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance. How much yours could rise by depends on your personal circumstances. You can also see the new rates for the 2025/26 year via YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Single mum on Universal Credit moans about ‘stupid' & ‘outdated' job centre questions but gets slammed for her ‘excuses'
A SINGLE mum has shared a video expressing her thoughts on the Jobcentre system and explaining why she believes it is 'so outdated.' Meg took to TikTok to share 'five ridiculous things' that she claims the Jobcentre has asked her to do as a single mum. She posted the video on her account ' itsamamaslifeforme_ ' and spoke to her 10.1k followers about her experience claiming Universal Credit. To apply for Universal Credit, you typically apply online through the website, and if that isn't possible, people can call their helpline or visit their local Jobcentre. The system involves creating an completing a to-do list, and providing details, including financial information and housing details. It also aims to help people find and maintain employment. Meg, who claims that she is currently unable to work, admitted that while she is 'grateful' to be able to claim the money, which is provided to help with living costs, the Jobcentre asks her to do 'such silly things.' First off, Meg claimed that she has been asked if she could work night shifts, as it would mean her 'toddler wouldn't notice' that she was gone 'because he'll be asleep,' but that isn't possible as she is a single mum. She then explained that her toddler's nursery only offers mornings or afternoons, to which she claimed their solution was to do an apprenticeship at a college 'an hour away.' Meg explained that they suggested her toddler join the morning nursery, which means she can 'get a bus back with him for an hour to his afternoon nursery, go back to the apprenticeship and then go back to pick him up.' She adds: 'Yeah, because that makes perfect sense.' Her third point, which she claims Universal Credit 'don't note down' on her file, is that her dad has passed away. I'm a mum-of-2 on UC & fed up with people calling me a scrounger - yes I've got a £1.5k pram, I can have nice things too Meg adds: 'So every single time I go, I get asked if he can babysit him.' The single mum also claimed that they stated to her that a new childminder had posted anonymously on Facebook to announce their page. Meg refuses to send her son to someone 'who can't even post their name on Facebook.' She finishes the video by explaining that they suggest she spends 30 hours a week job searching, but Meg states that there 'aren't even that many jobs out there.' Meg then asks: 'How do I do that when he's only at nursery for 15 hours a week?' After one day of the video being uploaded to her account, Meg received 95,000 views and 510 comments with mixed opinions. One person commented: 'They asked me when I can leave my daughter home alone too, she is six, the silly questions are unreal!' Jobcentre told you to.' What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options: Apply for an advance - Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout. Alternative Payment Arrangements - If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple. Budgeting Advance - You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit. Cut your Council Tax - You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax by applying for a Council Tax Reduction. Alternatively, you might be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover your rent. Foodbanks - If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussell Trust website. A second sympathised with Meg, explaining that the 'pressure they put on' single mums is 'wild.' But a third said: 'Or get a working from home job and stop making excuses and stop claiming benefits you don't need.' However, Meg said: 'I'm applying to jobs and doing courses to make me more employable and would actually love to be able to get off benefits.'
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bradford Jobcentre looking forward to assisting jobseekers and firms
Jobcentre Plus work coaches are ready to assist jobseekers and employers in Bradford. Jenifer Ward from Bradford Jobcentre said: "With spring just around the corner we're looking forward to helping more jobseekers and local businesses. "For jobseekers, our work coaches are geared up to provide the right support to get them job ready, including access to training and voluntary work experience. "This, along with specialist services through the Disability Employment Advisors, can act as a spring board to a new career. "For employers, we can host recruitment days and identify suitable applicants to fill their vacancies, and we'd encourage them to get in touch to find out more." The Jobcentre is also focusing on building community relationships. On February 13, Bradford's second Youth Hub was officially launched at the BEAP community centre in Manningham. Local employers and training providers attended to showcase opportunities available to jobseekers. This event coincided with National Apprenticeship Week, during which various information sessions were held to promote apprenticeships and support people in their applications. The Jobcentre continues to refer to skills boot camps, which are designed to help people develop skills that local employers are looking for in areas such as HR, leadership and management, and project management. A growth area is reportedly 'Green Skills,' with a number of local courses available to equip people with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a sustainable world. This includes courses in subjects like carbon literacy and the impact of climate change, environmental sustainability, and preventing plastic pollution. The Jobcentre is also working on local campaigns to raise awareness of jobs in the warehousing and care sectors. They will be arranging group information sessions in the Jobcentres, and working with employers to match the right people to those jobs. In Yorkshire and the Humber, the employment rate is 72.2 per cent, up 0.3 percentage points on the quarter and down 1.9 percentage points on the year - according to figures shared by a spokesperson. According to the same spokesperson, the unemployment rate is 4.0 per cent, up 0.6 percentage points on the quarter and also on the year; and there are 2.646 million people in employment in Yorkshire and the Humber, up 34,000 on the quarter and down 31,000 on the year. The number of people claiming Universal Credit and Jobseekers Allowance reportedly continues to rise, reflecting the increase in the number of people who have migrated from other benefits onto Universal Credit.
