Minister for Pensions visits Dewsbury job centre

Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion Guy Opperman visited Dewsbury Jobcentre Plus, on Rishworth Road, with the town's MP Mark Eastwood, where they thanked staff for their hard work throughout the pandemic.

While at the Jobcentre, the Minister met three Work Coaches who were previously claimants themselves, which help provide support to more than 20,000 customers in the local area.

Speaking on the visit, the Pensions Minister said: “Great to support DWP Jobcentre Plus with MP Mark Eastwood.

"It was fantastic to meet job centre staff, particularly those who were previously claimants themselves.

“Dewsbury JCP is open for business and has been helping people in the community through tough times throughout the pandemic, and will continue to be crucial in the months ahead.”

As part of the visit, the Minister also met Gaye Hutchinson from Release Potential.

The training provider works closely with offices across West Yorkshire in order to recruit for the Care Sector.

The Jobcentre remained open throughout the pandemic to help the most vulnerable customers.

It has been open to the wider public since the beginning of September and from November 30 it will be extending its opening hours to 6.30pm on weekdays and 9am – 5pm every Saturday.

As part of the Government’s commitment to building back better after the pandemic, the Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to double the number of Work Coaches nationwide to 27,000 by March 2021.

Through a rapid recruitment plan, the Department will have 4,500 Work Coaches in place by October 2020, with a further 9,000 by March next year.

Those interested in becoming Work Coaches are encouraged to visit the Work Coach recruitment website for more information on the latest local opportunities.