- Nick Elvin
High-tech equipment is being installed at Jobcentres across the country in an effort to make it easier for people to find work.
The new technology, which includes specially-designed computers that bring all Jobcentre Plus services into one device, will be provided at more than 700 sites.
Around 23,000 electronic signing pads will also become a fixture at Jobcentres – eliminating the need for paper booklets that job seekers carry around and sign every time they visit.
The Department for Work and Pensions says this will save more than £1 million a year, and will also improve security, reduce fraud in the welfare system and make the job-seeking process paperless.
In addition, free Wi-Fi and 6,000 digital jobsearch computers will be installed at Jobcentre Plus sites across Britain to give claimants a new opportunity to search and apply for jobs online, using the equipment on site or their own devices.
They will also be able to use the computers to keep on top on their claims, calculate benefits and update their CVs.
Removing the standalone jobpoints, which have been a fixture of Jobcentres for two decades, and installing the new computers, is expected to save more than £2 million a year.
The new equipment has already been installed in a number of Jobcentres across the country, with rollout set to be completed by spring next year.
Technology coaches will also be on hand to help job seekers understand how to use the equipment and get the most out of it.
Minister for Employment, Esther McVey said: “Every day, Jobcentres across the country are helping people into work. But as the economy grows and the jobs market changes, so are Jobcentres. Long gone are the Full Monty days of job cards in the windows and queuing for your dole.”