More than 100 jobcentre 'work coaches' wanted in Northamptonshire as unemployment rises

Job applications at jobcentres all over Northamptonshire are now open

Benefit chiefs have drawn up plans to double the number of frontline staff working on Universal Credit as 100 new job applications go live in Northamptonshire to help jobseekers.

Thousands of new work coaches will be deployed to towns across the country to help get the best out of people and make sure they have the support they need to get back into work.

The role will also offer retraining to people looking to start a new career, and support for those who need to update their skills and CV, or simply prepare for an interview.

Northamptonshire has a working population of approximately 340,000, 95,900 of which were furloughed up to 31 May 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Latest figures from July show that 1,395 people in Northampton alone were claiming jobs seekers allowance, compared to 725 in March.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies said: “Our DWP work coaches are at the forefront of this economic recovery. They are in our local communities working day in day out to help people get back on their feet - and our Work Coaches here in Northamptonshire are a key part of our national effort to push into recovery.

“Whether you want to retrain, get some advice on your next steps, or check you’re getting all the support that is available to get you back into work – they are always willing to go that extra mile and make a real difference in people’s lives.

“So if you want to help Northamptonshire bounce back even stronger, and think you have got what it takes to support people in your local community, then please don’t miss this opportunity and apply today.”

They will deliver new flagship programmes, such as the £2 billion kickstart scheme, a key part of the Government’s plan for jobs, which puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

Increased support for 40,000 jobseekers of all ages will also be available through DWP’s Sector-based Work Academy Placements which received a £17 million funding boost this summer and will help people learn new skills through a mixture of work experience and training.