The Race Equality Scheme requires Jobcentre Plus to publish results of any assessments in terms of the impact the policies are likely to have on promoting equality. The following summary is in response to this requirement.

To contribute to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Efficiency Savings and to help implement the recommendations of the Lyons Review, Jobcentre Plus had decided in September 2004 it would close two of its Employer Direct contact centres by Summer 2005.

In line with the procedure to close these centre an initial screening exercise was completed to determine if a full Race Impact Assessment was required. After following the guidance contained in our Impact Assessment Framework it was decided that a full Race Impact Assessment was not required. There was no evidence to suggest that the closures will directly or indirectly discriminate against DWP staff or customers.