The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Lesley Strathie:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the steps he is taking to ensure that more staff in Jobcentres are trained to deal with clients suffering from mental illness. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
As part of the new entrant learning routeway, Jobcentre Plus staff who work directly with customers are provided with Equal Opportunities learning during the first three months in their role. This learning covers support for people with mental illnesses to ensure that our staff deal professionally with all customers.
Additionally Advisers, as part of their job specific learning routeway, receive a two-day learning event for dealing with customers with mental illness. The content of the event is reviewed by specialist organisations such as MIND, to ensure Advisers are equipped with the specialist skills they need to support this particular customer group.
The specific learning needs of existing staff are formally reviewed on a half yearly basis. In the review, consideration is given to increasing staff awareness of disability issues. Where a skills gap is identified, the individual will be provided with the appropriate learning as a matter of priority.
I hope this is helpful.