[holding answer 9 December 2008]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the acting chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Mel Groves. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Mel Groves:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what guidance has been issued to Jobcentre Plus staff in relation to the time allowed to interview claimants by Jobcentre Plus. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Jobcentre Plus conducts a wide range of different interviews to meet both business and customer needs. Guidance to staff outlines the purpose and content of each interview type and the average length of time these should take to complete. Each interview takes into account the time required to undertake activities that must be covered in every interview and those that are only required as and when individual customer circumstances dictate.