PCS: Future of Jobcentre Plus uncertain after massive shake-up

PCS: Future of Jobcentre Plus uncertain after massive shake-up

PCS: Future of Jobcentre Plus uncertain after massive shake-up

Serious questions about the future of Jobcentre Plus (JCP) have been raised by the Public and Commercial Services union following an unprecedented shake-up in the Department for Work and Pensions.

An announcement today (30 Mar) confirms that, for the first time ever, operational responsibility for all pensions, benefits and the employment service will be combined in a single job role, meaning the end of separate agency status for JCP and the Pension, Disability and Carers Service.

The move will also mean 40% of jobs will be cut from the DWP*s corporate offices in Sheffield, Leeds and London * with more than 5,000 of the current 13,000 posts facing the axe before the end of this year.

The significance of the change is underlined by the announcement that JCP chief executive Darra Singh will leave the department at the end of September.

The union believes staff are being set up to fail, as ministers are placing huge demands for change on the department while degrading its core capability at an alarming rate.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: *The case against such a massive loss of jobs is clear. With unemployment rising and real household incomes falling, the vital services provided by these two agencies are needed more than ever.

*It is dangerous and counterproductive to scale back the very department that helps people back into work and supports those who need our help. The government should be investing in these areas to create employment opportunities and ensure proper support is available for people who are out of work.*

ENDS

Notes

– For information and interview requests contact PCS national press officer Richard Simcox on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216

– The Public and Commercial Services union represents civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies, and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK*s sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich – on Twitter @janicegodrich

– Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union