Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some questions employers often ask us.

How do I advertise a vacancy?

There are a number of ways to notify your vacancy, so you can choose the one that’s most convenient for you. See Vacancy Advertising for more details.

How do I amend my vacancy/Can you amend my vacancy?

If you are an approved Employer Direct online user, you can amend your vacancy online.  To amend a vacancy you notified over the telephone or by fax or e-mail, ring Employer Direct on 0845 601 2001 (a textphone service is available for people with speech or hearing impairments on 0845 601 2002), or contact the Labour Market and Recruitment Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office.

How do I remove a vacancy when it has been filled?

You can close a vacancy in the same way as you amend a vacancy.  See previous answer.

I notified a Local Employment Partnership vacancy using Employer Direct online, but it’s not in my list of vacancies.  How can I amend it?

To amend these vacancies please ring Employer Direct on 0845 601 2001 (a textphone service is available for people with speech or hearing impairments on 0845 601 2002), or contact the Jobcentre Plus adviser who agreed these as LEP vacancies. 

Can I use Jobcentre Plus premises for interviewing purposes?

You should discuss any additional requirements you have with your local Labour Market and Recruitment Adviser, including use of interview rooms. You can discuss extra services that may be available and ways that your vacancy can be opened up to a wider talent pool. Interview rooms may not be available at all locations.

Is there any support available to me if I employ someone currently on benefits?

Jobcentre Plus offers support through several initiatives, for example, Local Employment Partnerships and New Deal. These initiatives are subject to eligibility criteria, so it’s best to contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for specific advice once you’ve chosen your new employee.

Is there support available for people with disabilities?

Yes, the Access to Work programme can offer advice and financial help for new or existing employees who have a disability that affects them at work. The employee should contact Access to Work to have their support requirements assessed. As the employer you may be asked to make reasonable adjustments or to contribute to the cost of some types of support.

How long will Jobcentre Plus display my vacancy?

Jobcentre Plus will display your vacancy for 4 weeks from the date it is notified. You can agree a shorter or longer display period when you notify your vacancy or when we call you to see how your recruitment is progressing.

Do you offer a 24 Hour Service?

Employer Direct online is our electronic service which allows you to notify your vacancies at any time.  As an approved user, you can also amend or close your vacancies. The Employer Direct page gives details of its opening hours.

Will your service cost me anything? Any hidden costs?

There is no charge for using the Jobcentre Plus Vacancy Advertising service... and no hidden costs either.

What types of jobs do you accept?

All the vacancies we advertise have to be legal.  In addition we do not advertise vacancies:

Can applicants contact me directly?

Yes - generally your vacancy will have your contact details displayed, giving information about how you want applicants to be in contact.  If you would prefer your vacancy to be managed differently, please discuss with your local Labour Market and Recruitment Adviser.

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

No.  The company details you have provided are stored on our system, as are details of any previous vacancies advertised through Jobcentre Plus. If you use Employer Direct Online, your log-in details will connect you to your unique record.

Can I give set times to be contacted 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. If appropriate, set times can also be added to the vacancy so that applicants will also know your preference.

Do you have temps on your "books"?

Your vacancy will be advertised on the largest job database in the UK and will be accessible to a wide pool of jobseekers, including people looking for temporary work. 

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

To obtain information on National Minimum Wage/wage levels/working time regulations/ 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.

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, however, external websites link to this website at their own risk. Jobcentre Plus does not encourage deep linking but recommends linking to the home page, which is less likely to move or change.