Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow Jobcentre Plus to use the expansion of work coach capacity to introduce specialist single parent advisers.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to providing the best possible support for all our claimants. We are continuously reviewing and improving the service to ensure that it is accessible and responsive to their needs.

Our Work Coaches undergo a comprehensive learning journey designed to equip them with the tools, skills and behaviours required to provide a high quality, efficient service to all claimants including Lone Parents. They receive on-going learning in their roles and have access to guidance which is refreshed at regular intervals. The Department’s learning products emphasise the importance of treating each claimant as an individual in order to identify and meet their specific needs, whatever they may be.

Additionally, Jobcentre staff have access to a District Provision Tool which provides access to the full range of provision and support delivered by DWP, providers, local authorities and independent volunteer/charity organisations. However, if Work Coaches are unable to identify local provisions that meets the needs of the claimant, they liaise with DWP Partnership Managers, who have the flexibility to work alongside local organisations to source appropriate provision helping our claimants to access the support they need.