Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled answers to some frequently asked questions by employers.

Where can I obtain information on National Minimum Wage / wage levels / working times / PAYE / NI / Pensions / holidays?

To obtain information on National Minimum Wage/wage levels/working times/ PAYE and holidays go to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website. For information on National Insurance go to the HM Revenue & Customs website and for information on Pensions go to The Pension Service website.

How long will Jobcentre Plus service my vacancy?

Jobcentre Plus will service your vacancy until it is filled or you request that we stop advertising it.

Will your service cost me anything? Any hidden costs?

The Jobcentre Plus vacancy filling service is at no direct cost to employers. There are no hidden charges.

What types of jobs do you accept?

We will accept vacancies for all types of jobs. The only exceptions are:

• where payment of the National Minimum Wage cannot be guaranteed;
• where your vacancy is in breach of, or appears in breach of, the law;
• where Ministers have deemed the type of vacancy as unsuitable to be handled by Jobcentre Plus as a public employment service; and
• where you have been placed on our "Employers under review" list as a result of an unresolved complaint against your company.

Am I under any obligation to interview all the applicants Jobcentre Plus might send me?

You are not under obligation to interview all applicants referred to you. The Employer Direct Adviser will discuss with you how you wish applicants to apply for your vacancy which may be by interview (this can be arranged for you by Jobcentre Plus), C.V or application form.

Can I refuse employment to someone even though Jobcentre Plus staff considered them suitable?

Yes, as the employer you are in control of who you employ. Jobcentre Plus will try to find candidates that match your requirements as closely as possible for you to consider.

Can I use Jobcentre Plus premises for interviewing purposes?

Your local Vacancy Service Manager will help you with any additional requirements you may have, such as sifting of applicants, the provision of interview facilities and help with administration.

Can applicants contact me directly?

Yes - Through Apply Direct you have the option of having your contact details displayed on the vacancy so that applicants can apply directly to you without being seen by a member of Jobcentre Plus staff.

Can I give set times to be contacted so as to avoid being interrupted?

When your vacancy details are taken you should state that you only wish to be contacted at set times. A note will then be put on your contact details so that you will only be contacted by Jobcentre Plus at times suitable to you.

Would you cancel my vacancy for any reason without informing me?

During the time your vacancy is advertised with us we will keep in regular contact with you. Your vacancy will only be removed from display if the closing date has been reached, you have informed us that the position is no longer available or after agreement with an Employer Direct Adviser.

Will I be required to give repeat details each time I contact Jobcentre Plus?

Details of all your previous vacancies advertised through Jobcentre Plus are held on our system. An Employer Direct Adviser will confirm your details in order to find your employer record. They will then be able to reopen and update details on any of your previous vacancies.

Do you offer a 24 Hour Service?

Jobcentre Plus is striving to improve employer accessibility to its services. The Employer Direct page details its opening hours. In 2003 we aim to introduce additional electronic services which will allow employers to notify vacancies themselves both in and outside of the Employer Direct opening hours. This service will be called Employer Direct Online.

Can I have hypertext links between my website and Jobcentre Plus?

Yes, you can build a link from your website to the Jobcentre Plus website. We regret that we are unable to provide links from the Jobcentre Plus website to your website.

Can I have on line application forms?

Not yet, though we do hope to introduce this soon.

Do you have temps on your "books"?

Your vacancy will be accessible to the largest possible pool of jobseekers, including people looking for temporary work, as it will be advertised on the largest job database in the UK - which includes temporary and permanent vacancies.