Jobs & Benefits offices provide an essential service to local communities

Communities Minister Paul Givan today met with staff and management of Lisburn Jobs & Benefits office to learn more about the services they provide to the people of the local area.

Speaking after the visit the Minister said: “This is just one of 28 such offices across Northern Ireland that provides an essential service to local communities. The offices provide a range of employment and benefit related support to working age benefit claimants and those seeking work. 

“There are approximately 100 staff in the Lisburn Jobs & Benefits office who assist people to identify and address barriers to work through the tailored one to one Adviser service, providing detailed information on jobs that are available via the Jobcentre Online website, Job-points and job brokerage staff. Staff also provide assistance to people who are interested in becoming self-employed, and work on improving the linkages between employment programmes and skills development.  In addition the office offers benefit information and advice, form filling, Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance fresh claim appointments, Social Fund Crisis Loans and advice on a wide range of Social Security benefits through the public office.”

The Minister concluded:  “Today I saw firsthand how professional the staff are in how they interact and deal with their claimants. This can often be a very difficult time for claimants, yet staff are trained to ensure they manage the experience with sensitivity.

“I am also pleased that in yesterday’s June monitoring round £2million was secured towards providing independent advice on Welfare Reform. This will support and protect the most vulnerable people through Welfare Changes and will help to ensure that they received their full benefit entitlements. The independent advice will also supplement the activity of the Jobs and Benefits Office network.”
 

Notes to editors: 

1. With the introduction of the new Department for Communities, staff from what was previously the Social Security Agency in the Department for Social Development and the Employment Service in the Department for Employment and Learning have merged to provide a more streamlined service for the claimant.
2. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department for Communities Press Office 028 9082 9267 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk . For out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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