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 which member of staff at Jobcentre Plus offices will carry out a claimant's first work-focused interview. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
A Personal Adviser, skilled in dealing with the customer's specific requirements, will carry out a customer's first Work Focused Interview. For example, a lone parent moving from Income Support to Jobseekers Allowance will see a specialist lone parent adviser to take them through the new claims interview. Personal Advisors are well versed in the barriers customers may face when looking for work and they are able to offer appropriate tailored advice.