Jobcentre Plus

A new Jobcentre Plus office was officially opened in Erdington last week, giving local people access to the innovative service for the first time.

The opening marked an important milestone, not just for Erdington, but also regionally as the final phase in the rollout of 14 Jobcentre Plus offices across Birmingham and Solihull as part of a national modernisation programme.

Mel Groves, Chief Operating Officer for Jobcentre Plus, opened the new office accompanied by Jon Wright, District Manager for Jobcentre Plus in Birmingham and Solihull and Margaret Tovey, Regional Director for Jobcentre Plus West Midlands. They toured the Erdington office and met with staff and local employers.

Mel Groves said: “These new offices, along with the development of our Contact Centre network and the centralisation of our Benefit Delivery Centres are a key element in Jobcentre Plus’ transformation programme. Together they provide the platform from which we can deliver a modernised, highly efficient and customer focused service.  They ensure that Jobcentre Plus is well placed to move forward on future Welfare Reform”.

Jon Wright said: “Erdington Jobcentre Plus will provide a complete service to jobseekers and employers.  People will be able to receive advice on working age benefits and meet with personal advisers who can provide help tailored to each individual with all aspects of looking for work or training opportunities.  Our touch screen Jobpoints provide access to nearly half a million vacancies both national and international. All this means that our customers can get all the support they need in one place.”