Local MP Welcomes Job Centre Changes
Bexhill and Battle MP, Huw Merriman, has welcomed changes being made by local Job Centres to help people across Rother find work and increase the number of hours worked. Speaking after spending a day in the Job Centre Plus offices at Bexhill and Hastings, the MP described the changes as "crucial" in order to better help the remaining 500 job seekers in his constituency find work and move off benefits.
The changes in the area will see six existing benefits, for people on low incomes or out of work, replaced by a single Universal Credit payment. The programme is being rolled out across the UK in stages and was introduced for constituents in Rother over the summer.
Said Huw "Some constituents have traditionally been better off on benefits if they can only work a limited number of hours or if the work is temporary. Universal Credit is designed to help them by topping up their income when earnings are lower and repaying in months when income is higher. Not only is this more flexible but it means people will always be better off in work.”
During the visit to the local Job Centres, the MP spent time with the new work coaches who have been trained to give more tailored advice to help a claimant find work. After sitting in with interviews and meetings between work coaches and claimants, the MP was shown the online application process and the access to specialist expert help should claimants have acute needs or dependencies.
The MP praised the approach of the work coaches as "hugely motivational, caring and determined to help people get on in life" but acknowledged that more help may be needed for certain people who have difficulties managing the new programme. "I have been liaising with the local Citizens Advice team who, like my constituency office in Bexhill, help people who claim from the benefits system. I know that they have issues to discuss so I have put them in touch with the Job Centre team I met in the hope that all of us are able to help these constituents find a better and more rewarding future in the workplace."