JobCentre Guide JobCentre Plus

What is the Jobcentre Plus?

A layman's guide to the Job Centre Plus and it's services for job seekers and employers.

What is the Jobcentre Plus?

Jobcentre Plus is a government-funded employment agency and social security office that can be found in most cities, whose aim it is to help people of working age find employment in the UK. It was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency and was renamed Jobcentre Plus in 2002. It is a part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Jobcentre Plus provides resources to enable job-searchers to find work, through Jobpoints (touch-screen computer terminals), Jobseeker Direct (telephone service) and the Jobcentre Plus website. They offer information about training opportunities for the chronically unemployed. They administer claims for benefits such as Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, and Jobseeker's Allowance (currently being phased out in favour of Universal Credit).

Providing Assistance to the Unemployed

In the past, Jobcentre Plus helped those who were currently employed, as well as the unemployed. Now they only provide assistance to those who are unemployed and claiming benefits, though anyone can search for a job at the Jobcentre Plus website online, touch screen Jobpoints or via Jobseeker Direct. Employers and employment agencies can register their vacancies online by calling Employer Direct. These vacancies will be immediately listed through Jobpoints, Jobseeker Direct, and the Jobcentre Plus website.

5 Reasons You Need a Job Coach

Do you feel stuck in a career that you do not want? Or do you want to progress in your career, but you feel demotivated and stuck? If the answer is yes, you need a job coach. A coach is an individual who specialises in helping people prepare for...

5 Signs You Are Ready to Hire a Career Coach

A career coach is an expert planner who offers professional advice on how to go about a job interview. The coach also helps create a professional resume and offers guidance to employees on scaling in their career paths. It is important to unders...

About Disability Employment Advisors

If you have a health condition or a disability that affects your ability to work, JobCentre Plus offers a service for disabled workers by putting them in touch with a Disability Employment Advisor (DEA). Whether you have just lost your job or ha...

Accessing Disability Benefits While Living in the EEA: A Guide for UK Citizens

Living in an increasingly interconnected global village opens up new opportunities, and as a UK citizen, you have the right to work in any country within the European Economic Area (EEA). When it comes to disability benefits, many of them remain...

Benefits for Expectant Parents and Families: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you expecting a baby or already have children and wondering what benefits you may be entitled to? In this guide, we will explore various benefits available to support expectant parents and families. Whether you are planning to be abroad or r...

Claiming Benefits in Europe: A Guide for UK Residents

Are you a UK resident planning to live or work in another European Economic Area (EEA) country? Good news! It is possible to claim UK benefits while residing in an EEA country. Each EEA country has a social security system that collaborates with...

Community Care Grants: Financial Assistance for Short-Term Crisis

During a temporary financial crisis, individuals who are already receiving income support may be eligible for a Community Care Grant. Unlike loans, these grants do not need to be repaid, providing a valuable source of assistance. In this article...

Comprehensive Guide to Disability Living Allowance (DLA): Enhancing Lives through Mobility Support a

Having a disability can lead to significant expenses, from requiring additional care to incurring regular transportation costs. To address these financial challenges, the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) offers tax-free support. In this guide, ...

Help with moving from benefits to work - Getting Help

Your Jobcentre Plus work coach can help you by giving advice on the support available when returning back to work.

Help with moving from benefits to work - Job Search Programmes

Jobcentre Plus can provide support to help you prepare for, find, and stay in work. They can give you training, guidance and work placement programmes, and schemes such as work experience, volunteering and job trialling. They can also support yo...

Help with moving from benefits to work - Starting Your Own Business

Your Jobcentre Plus work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus can tell you about resources which can help you to start your own business.

Help with moving from benefits to work - Support When You Start Working

When you go back to work, this does not mean that you have to give up all of your benefits. Some benefits may carry on and there may be others available to you once you have started working.

Help with moving from benefits to work - Work Experience and Volunteering

Help with moving from benefits to work – Work Experience and Volunteering

How to Contact Jobcentre Plus

If you have any queries or want to ask a question or make an appointment, you will need to contact the relevant JobCentre Plus department for assistance.

Information on Jobcentres and the Coronavirus

Jobcentres throughout the UK have adopted and adjusted their operational models based on the prevailing conditions. Ideally, a Jobcentre gives out advice on the available jobs and also facilitates unemployment benefits to British citizens. The c...

JobCentre Plus Offices

Where to find your local JobCentre Plus offices. Click on your city to find addresses, phone numbers, and recent job postings in your area.

Jobcentre Plus Vacancies

Your guide to benefits and services FREE CV advice and jobs searching. An independent guide to JobCentre Plus services, online job searching, CV preparation and interview technique.

Jobcentre's Extended Council Tax Benefit: How to Get Help with Your Council Tax Payments

If you're struggling to pay your council tax, the Jobcentre's Extended Council Tax Benefit could be the solution you need. This benefit is designed to provide temporary financial assistance to help you cover your council tax payments during diff...

Jobcentre's Extended Housing Benefit: A Lifeline for Renters in Need

If you're struggling to make ends meet and finding it difficult to pay your rent, the Jobcentre's Extended Housing Benefit can provide vital assistance. This benefit aims to support individuals and families facing financial hardships by helping ...

Jobs for My Personality Type Quiz

If you've been struggling to think of what jobs might be right for you - perhaps it's your first time seeking employment, you've been out of the labour force for a while, or you're looking to change careers - take our quiz to get some ideas!

Navigating the UK Benefit System: Accessing Support in Challenging Times

In the United Kingdom, a range of benefits is available to provide support for individuals facing unemployment or the inability to work due to illness, injury, or disability. These benefits also extend to individuals in lower-paid employment or ...

Preventing Benefit Fraud in the UK: Importance of Accurate Information

The importance of information in the benefit industry cannot be overstated. When making a claim for any benefit, you will be required to provide extensive information. This data is essential and is protected by laws that prevent it from being us...

Resources for Employers

If you are an employer seeking advice on finding the right employees, we can help! Please browse our articles below for tips on how to scout new talent.

The Job Grant in the UK: Financial Assistance for Transitioning into Employment

The UK offers various forms of financial support and income protection to its citizens to uphold their basic rights and dignity. However, these benefits are designed to provide temporary assistance to those who are seeking suitable and profitabl...

Types of Unemployed Benefits in the UK

As of December 2022, the of UK citizens aged 16 years and above stood at 75.6%. As of January 2023, the number of unemployed citizens stood at 1.3 million.

Understanding Benefit Overpayment: Causes, Consequences, and Steps to Take

In today's scrutinized benefit system, it may seem unlikely, but there are instances where individuals receive more benefits than they are entitled to. This is known as a benefit overpayment, and it can significantly disrupt your financial situa...

Understanding Statutory Sick Pay: Qualification, Payment, and Your Options

Understanding Statutory Sick Pay: Qualification, Payment, and Your Options

Upskilling for the AI Era: Developing Skills for the Future Job Market

As the world embraces the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the job market is undergoing significant changes. AI and automation technologies are reshaping industries, creating new opportunities, and challenging the skills req...

What are Job Fairs?

Job Fairs provide a great opportunity to meet many local employers.

What is Access to Work?

Access to work is a grant which can help pay for practical support if you have a disability or any other type of health or mental condition.

What is an Internship?

Internships are usually taken by students and recent graduates who have an idea of what kind of career path they would like to take and are looking to learn specific skills or gain specific experience.

What is Income Support?

Income Support is available to UK residents aged 16 to 59 who unable to seek full time work.

What is Job Seekers Allowance?

Jobseeker's allowance is the benefit paid to unemployed people who are actively looking for work.

What is Pathways to Work?

Pathways to Work helps people with disabilities or health conditions that make it difficult for them to find work.

What is the Jobcentre Plus?

A layman's guide to the Job Centre Plus and it's services for job seekers and employers.

What is Universal Credit?

Are you of pension age, jobless and wondering what the future is going to look like? Don't worry, you can start securing it by applying for Universal Credit or a Jobseeker's Allowance. The option you choose will mainly depend on your National In...

What is Workplace Harassment?

Do you feel trapped in your job? Do you feel bullied and mistreated by your colleagues? Is the work environment toxic that you feel it's better to throw in the towel? If yes, you are not alone. A recent study shows that over 70% of Brits have ex...