- New Job Finding Support service launched to benefit 160,000
people over the next year
- Support ranges from job searches and interview practice to
advice on how to switch careers
- Service to run in parallel to existing support available in
jobcentres and by work coaches, as part of UK Government’s Plan
for Jobs
More than a hundred and fifty thousand jobseekers across Great
Britain will benefit from new employment support, helping them
build their interview skills, find local vacancies and quickly
get back into work.
A new team of 325 Job Search Advisers are now available online or
over the phone to support those recently unemployed who already
have the skills and experience needed to move into a new career,
but might not be sure where to start.
Over the next 12 months, an expected 160,000 jobseekers will
receive digital support and advice as part of a new Job Finding
Support (JFS) service in a further boost to the Government’s Plan
for Jobs.
The quick-fire support, which takes place across four one-to-one
sessions and aims to be completed in a matter of weeks, offers
mock interviews, help to identify transferable skills and advice
on how to switch industries, as well as online group sessions to
improve job search techniques.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:
“Job Finding Support will help jobseekers brush up on interview
skills and advice, giving them a helping hand to move back into
work quickly.
“Our Plan for Jobs is helping us build back better and fairer,
getting job support to people who need it right across Britain
and levelling up opportunity.”
The service is completely voluntary to all jobseekers who have
been unemployed for less than 13 weeks and are claiming benefits.
Participants are referred to the scheme through their Work Coach.
As the DWP drives forward the Plan for Jobs, it has supported
over 40,000 people to retrain and upskill on the Sector-based
Work Academy Programme; and recruited 8,500 new Work Coaches to
spearhead efforts to get Britain working again.
Chief executive of ERSA Elizabeth Taylor said:
"The government’s Plan for Jobs package of labour market
initiatives is helping people to provide for their families
throughout the pandemic and the Job Finding Support is another
important step in helping jobseekers in these difficult times.”
JFS will run in parallel to existing support that is available in
jobcentres and will complement the role of Work Coaches who
provide more intensive support for jobseekers, including anyone
facing specific difficulties returning to work. This service will
also free up frontline staff as they continue to help people
access the financial support they need through the welfare safety
net.
