Union claims DWP is putting lives at risk by forcing people to attend interviews – Stoke-on-Trent Live

Union reps have spoken out after claiming job-seekers are being needlessly forced to attend Jobcentre interviews - when they could be conducted over the phone.

Civil Service Union PCS says the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is playing 'Russian roulette' with the health and lives of some of the most vulnerable members of society - especially in areas which are seeing an increase in Covid-19 infections.

The call comes as the number of people claiming benefits across Staffordshire increased last month, as a result of the pandemic.

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that 13,155 people living in Stoke-on-Trent claimed benefits last month (August) - compared to 12,820 in July.

At the same time, the number of claimants living in Newcastle has increase from 3,955 in July to 4,060 in August.

While the number of job-seekers in Stafford and the Staffordshire Moorlands have increased to 2,975 and 1,820 from 2,845 and 1,710 respectively over the month-long period.

Throughout the pandemic, job centres have continued to operate to ensure those who are unemployed can get help.

Until now, most of the contact has been digitally or by telephone, with ability to see those most vulnerable and who are unable to use these forms of communication face-to-face.

But from this week DWP bosses are demanding that members of the public turn up to job centres to conduct business.

PCS is now calling on DWP to halt the process immediately over fears it will mean job-seekers not only mixing with other people in job centres, but also with others travelling to and from - when there is no need.

PCS Midlands regional secretary, Andrew Lloyd said: "DWP appear to want to play Russian roulette with health and lives with our members and members of the public.

"There is no need get more people into Jobcentres, and not to offer the option of conducting matters over the phone from the outset defies any logic at best, at worst it needlessly puts people at risk."

As it stands, DWP will conduct telephone appointments - but only if they are specifically requested by the job-seeker.

A DWP Spokesperson said: "Staff and customer safety is our priority. Sites have been adapted to ensure they are Covid-19 secure and we have engaged and consulted extensively about the safety of our colleagues including with the PCS many of whom have continued to work in our sites throughout Covid-19.

"We are actively engaged with PCS and other unions about how to ensure the continued safety of our employees and support the most vulnerable in society."

Recruitment company boss Claire Leigh believes the DWP need to be flexible.

Claire, who runs Brampton Recruitment in Newcastle, said: "What is the need to go into branch? it's risking the job-seeker and the employee when there isn't a need. I understand some people might not have the technology to be able to have a virtual meeting but surely a phone call can be had if they can't see them via a video call. It is about adapting to the situation."

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She added: "We are working in the office but we are all distanced we can work from home if needed as well so we can be flexible. We've adapted to virtual registrations and have produced a new application form on our website as well for people to complete and upload to us, then we have the virtual meeting to go through it. It's working really well and it's saving time for the job-seeker."

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Union claims DWP is putting lives at risk by forcing people to attend interviews - Stoke-on-Trent Live