DWP Expands Mobile Jobcentre Van Initiative Across England
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is deploying a fleet of mobile vans to towns and cities across England as part of a new initiative aimed at helping benefits claimants return to work. These 'Jobcentre Vans' are designed to bring employment support directly into local communities, with an initial focus on areas in the North East of England.
Government Strategy to Meet People Where They Are
Labour Party MP Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, emphasized the government's commitment to breaking down barriers to employment. "We want to break down the barriers that stop people from finding good work, and that means meeting people where they are," McFadden stated. "Jobcentres on Wheels are doing exactly that – bringing employment support into the heart of communities."
He highlighted the expansion of the service to Barrow as a key step in unlocking opportunities for more residents. The mobile units offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Job searching assistance and career guidance
- Information on available training and apprenticeship opportunities
- Specialized advice for individuals with health conditions or disabilities
Vans Already Active in Multiple Locations
The DWP vans have already been spotted operating in several areas, demonstrating the initiative's reach. Confirmed locations include:
- Barrow
- Wakefield
- North Nottinghamshire
- Blackpool
- Clevedon
- Rhondda Cynon Taf/Bridgend
This rollout is part of a broader effort to engage economically inactive individuals who may not typically visit traditional jobcentres.
Community Partnerships and Success Stories
Local organizations are collaborating with the DWP to enhance the impact of the mobile jobcentres. Ben Lawton, CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community, praised the initiative for its community-based approach. "Here at BWitC we understand the drivers behind the increase in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)," Lawton said. "The relational, holistic, community-based support delivered in trusted settings supports those in our community facing these challenges."
A DWP spokesperson shared a success story from Bolton, where a customer with health conditions visited a van seeking work. "Within one visit, staff found him job leads, referred him to digital support, and connected him with training," the spokesperson explained. The customer reportedly said this support was something he would never have thought to look for at a traditional Jobcentre.
Data Shows Broad Reach Beyond Benefits Recipients
According to DWP data, the mobile vans are reaching a diverse audience. "Just over half of customers visiting the vans are not in receipt of benefits, demonstrating the service is reaching many economically inactive people who may not engage with traditional jobcentres," the spokesperson noted.
This initiative is part of a larger £55 million government programme to reform employment services. The reforms include transforming existing Jobcentres, creating a new national jobs and careers service, and launching a digital offer to provide DWP support accessible from anywhere.
The DWP spokesperson added, "The initiative is part of the government's commitment to reforming employment services and helping more people overcome barriers to work, including health conditions and caring responsibilities." This test-and-learn approach aims to deliver a transformative service that adapts to community needs.
