Jobcentre Plus in the North East reached a key milestone yesterday when the Newton Aycliffe office was officially opened, marking the completion of the office modernisation programme in this region. This means that the North East is the very first region in the country to offer the most up-to-date facilities for customers.

Part of the Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus has been created to provide a better customer service for employers and jobseekers, with job finding and benefit services together under one roof.
Jeremy Groombridge, Programme Director at Jobcentre Plus, officially opened the Newton Aycliffe office and met some of the people who have already been helped by Jobcentre Plus.

He said:
“I’m very proud of the achievement of Jobcentre Plus here in the North East. It goes beyond the bricks and mortar, though. It’s about a completely new service to make sure people get the support they need to get into work, as well as making sure they are getting all of the benefits they are entitled to in pleasant, modern surroundings.”

During 2005/06, staff at Newton Aycliffe Jobcentre Plus helped 709 people into work and handled over 1000 vacancies. Local employers were invited to attend the launch of the new office to see for themselves the services Jobcentre Plus can offer.