Jobcentre Plus provides a variety of services to help employers find suitable people to fill their vacancies. They provide free job advertising that will reach a wide range of people and can provide advice on recruitment methods. They can also help with screening and shortlisting candidates and will advise employers who have difficulties with filling vacancies.
They have a number of specific programmes aimed at increasing the job opportunities for priority groups:
Work Trial
This provides employers and job candidates with a trial period of employment for up to 15 days to allow both parties the chance to try out each other out. There is no cost to employers during the period of the Work Trial and the individual remains on benefit and is paid an allowance to cover travel and subsistence costs.
Work Trials are usually available to people who are aged over 25 and have been unemployed for six months or more (although there can be exceptions to this) and are receiving a qualifying benefit (for example, Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Income Support).
New Deal Programmes
There are a range of New Deal Programmes which are aimed at providing advice, support and training to core groups of unemployed people. The programmes aim to provide people with the skills and experience they need in order to be able to compete in the labour market. The New Deal programmes cover:
- Unemployed young people aged 18-24
- Long-term unemployed people aged 25 and over
- Long-term unemployed people aged 50 and over who want to work
- Lone parents who want to work
- People with a disability who want and are able to work
- Partners of unemployed people who want to work
For employers the New Deal programmes can help to ensure that they can find job candidates who have the skills they need and are motivated and ready for work. The programmes aim to screen and match candidates to job opportunities and will provide on-going support post employment. The New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25+ also pay employers a subsidy for the first 26 weeks of employment.
(Detailed information about the New Deal for employers can be found in the Jobcentre Plus publication New Deal for Employers)
New Deal for Disabled People
This programme aims to help people on disability and health related benefits find and sustain employment. The service is provided through public, private and voluntary sector agencies who act as Job Brokers for individuals and employers.
For employers, Job Brokers can match candidates to suitable job opportunities, provide support for up to 6 months post employment and give ongoing advice and information. Details of Job Brokers operating in local areas can be found at www.jobbrokersearch.gov.uk
Disability Services
Most Jobcentre Plus offices will have Disability Employment Advisors who can provide employers with advice and information about the recruitment, retention, training and development of disabled employees. In addition, Jobcentre Plus has a number of specific programmes aimed at helping employers and disabled people.
Job Introduction Scheme (JIS)
This aims to help employers who are considering employing someone with a disability but have practical concerns about the individual’s ability to manage the job. The JIS can pay employers £75 a week for the first six weeks of the job to help with employment or training costs. Disability Employment Advisors are responsible for deciding if it is appropriate to pay an employer through JIS.
Access to Work
This programme provides grants to employers towards the approved costs that arise from an individual’s disability, such as
- Adaptations to premises and equipment
- Communication support at interview
- Special aids and equipment
- A support worker in the workplace
- Travel to work if public transport is not suitable
The grants will cover up to 100% of approved costs for someone starting work and up to 80% of approved costs over the first £300 for existing employees. Disability Employment Advisors will refer employers to Access to Work Advisors to discuss their needs.
(Detailed information about the programme can be found in the Jobcentre Plus publication Access to Work: Information for Employers)
Workstep
This provides employment support to disabled people with complex problems to help them find and sustain employment. The programme is managed by Jobcentre Plus and delivered by a range of agencies in local areas.
Providers work closely with employers to match people to suitable jobs and to develop an appropriate system of support for both the individual and the employer. Disability Employment Advisors will advise employers about Workstep providers in their local area.
Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs)
This is a Government initiative aimed at meeting the recruitment needs of local employers and increasing the opportunities for Jobcentre Plus clients. Local businesses work in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to provide opportunities for people to get back into the workplace and progress - through for example interviews, mentoring, on the job training or work trials.
Jobcentre Plus will work with employers to identify their employment needs and to identify and prepare the right candidates for them. Each Local Employment Partnership agreement is tailored to the needs of the individual employer and will build on their existing systems for recruitment and retention.
Detailed information about LEPs can be found in the Jobcentre Plus publication Local Employment Partnerships. |
