Visit to DWP Jobcentre in Walsall

I visited the DWP Jobcentre in Walsall on Friday 23 October 2020, where I met with staff to discuss the issues my constituents have faced and what the DWP are doing to help. We spoke about the new Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.

Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

• 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
• associated employer National Insurance contributions
• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021. A Kickstart Scheme application must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. If a single employer cannot provide this many job placements, they can find a Kickstart gateway, such as a local authority, charity or trade body for help applying. Here are some useful websites:

Universal Credit: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
 There are a range of useful DWP videos on: www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Km4IXfVJB1n8SQUmkJD0Q
 For information on New Style JSA & ESA see:
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Citizens Advice are operating Universal Credit Help to Claim through telephony and WebChat: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/

Money Advice Service have updated their website: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you

Staff at the Jobcentre are now conducting face-to-face, socially distanced appointments at the Jobcentre for those who need support and advice. If you need to contact the Jobcentre, further information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus