Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their vision for the future role of Jobcentres; and how many people they expect Jobcentres to support following the extension of careers advice to all members of the public.

This government is creating a new Jobs and Careers Service: a modern, integrated, digitally enabled employment service that has already brought together Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service in England and is working hand in hand with employers and local partners.

Our vision for the new service is that customers will have a clear understanding of our expectations and ambitions for them, with access to tailored employment, skills and careers support to find and progress in work. Employers and local places will receive more joined-up support and better matching of customers to opportunities that meet local labour market needs and growth priorities, and our workforce will provide consistently high-quality support focused on getting people into work rather than just following processes.

Careers support has always been available to adults in England and will continue through the DWP Careers Service in England, which is available to everyone regardless of whether they claim benefits. Support can be accessed online, by telephone, or through face-to-face appointments. Qualified careers advisers will focus on providing in-depth guidance to customers who face greater barriers to working or learning. DWP will monitor usage of online tools and resources, volume of calls to the careers telephone line and number of appointments conducted to assess demand for the service and to ensure that demand is met, as appropriate to customer need and circumstance.