Thursday 30th October 2014

Old-fashioned 'signing-on', job cards in windows, and Full Monty-style dole queues have been consigned to the past as Chesterfield Jobcentre is among those to undergo a digital revolution.



High-tech equipment, (above), including specially-designed computers that bring all Jobcentre services into one device, will be installed at Jobcentres right across the East Midlands. More than 700 sites across Britain are being digitally transformed, bringing Jobcentres into the 21st century and making it easier for people to find work.

Around 23,000 electronic signing pads will also become a new fixture at Jobcentres around Britain - signalling an end to the old-fashioned paper booklets that jobseekers carry around and sign every time they visit.

Making the process paperless will save more than £1m a year, while also helping to improve security and reduce fraud in the welfare system. The removal of 'jobpoints' - a fixture of Jobcentres for two decades - and the installation of new computers will also save more than £2m every year.

Free WiFi and 6,000 digital jobsearch computers are being installed at Jobcentre Plus sites across Britain, giving claimants greater opportunity and flexibility in searching and applying for jobs online, as they can use the equipment on site, or their own devices. They will also be able to use the computers at Jobcentres to keep on top on their claims, calculate benefits and update their CVs. New tech coaches will be on hand to help jobseekers get the most out of the new technology.

Minister for Employment, Esther McVey, said: "Every day, Jobcentres across the country are helping people into work, contributing to record falls in unemployment. But as the economy grows and the jobs market changes, so are Jobcentres. Long gone are the 'Full Monty' days of job cards in the windows and queuing for your dole. We're seeing record employment levels - and with this digital revolution, the Government is doing even more to help people into work."

The electronic signing pads will be appearing in Jobcentres from this month, with rollout set to be completed by Spring next year.

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