No promises

Following the closure of Ledbury Jobcentre last year, Jobcentre Plus initially intended to base two advisers at St Katherine's. Difficulties in obtaining suitable premises from the council meant we were unable to do so.

We therefore decided, after reviewing our arrangements, to send a mobile office or Jobsbus' to Ledbury each month. The Jobsbus provides help from specialist advisers on looking for work, applying for vacancies, access to in-work benefits and local training opportunities.

There was no promise' that unemployed people could sign on' on the Jobsbus, which has never offered this service. Unemployed people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance are regularly required to attend their local Jobcentre Plus office to meet their personal adviser; confirm they are still available, actively seeking work and meet the conditions of entitlement of claiming this benefit; and receive intensive help with their job search.

The Jobsbus has, however, been a valuable and effective facility for people looking for work or advice on employment and training. It has been touring Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire for several years and, during that time, has helped thousands of people access Jobcentre Plus services.

To provide further support to jobseekers in Ledbury we have installed a free telephone service at St Katherine's, giving direct links to Hereford Jobcentre Plus Office (for benefit advice), Jobseeker Direct (for information on job vacancies) and a specialist disability employment adviser (who provides additional help for people with health conditions or disabilities). There is also a computerised Jobpoint', providing quick and easy access to thousands of jobs in Herefordshire and elsewhere across the country.

People can also obtain information on job and training availability by visiting the Jobcentre Plus and Worktrain websites at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or www.worktrain.gov.uk.

Joan Skerry, marches district manager, Jobcentre Plus.