Black Country business leaders welcome tough new rules on Jobseeker’s Allowance

TOUGH new rules governing Jobseeker’s Allowance have been welcomed by business leaders in the Black Country.

Under new legislation which comes into effect at the end of the month the Government has stipulated that jobseekers will have to do more to find work.

Employment Minister Esther McVey described the new rules as a fundamental shift in expectations, putting an end to a system where people start claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance by just signing-on without first taking steps to make themselves attractive to potential employers.

She said: “With the economy growing, unemployment falling and record numbers of people in work now is the time to start expecting more of people if they want to claim benefits. It’s only right that we should ask people to take the first basic steps to getting a job before they start claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance – it will show they are taking their search for work seriously.”

Before their first interview with a Jobcentre Plus adviser, jobseekers will now be asked to prepare a CV, set up an email address and register for the Government’s new jobs website.

“This change will mean people start their Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claim ready to look for work and will show they are serious about finding a job as quickly as possible,” added McVey.

Alastair Henman, technical and production director at Wolverhampton-based Zaun Ltd, said the new rules were a positive step forward.

“Preparing a CV is a must and will focus the job seekers mind on where their skills lie and what they really want to do – helping them to be more enthusiastic and positive when the right opportunity presents itself,” he said.

“From the company’s perspective having more prepared and focussed applications with better presented information will increase the pool of candidates and perhaps help us find those undiscovered gems.”

Tony Hague, managing director of PP Electrical Systems, Cheslyn Hay, said businesses were looking for people with enthusiasm and communication skills, eager to contribute and make a difference.

“Our job is not to educate people in the basic academic skills needed for employment, that is the responsibility of schools, colleges and, dare I say it, parents. However, we can help develop individuals and encourage their own aspirational goals,” he said.

“All parties, government, academia and employers need to work closer together in the common aim of creating ‘job ready’ individuals that can feel valued and ‘grow’ in line with their own individual needs and ambition.”

Ninder Johal, new president of The Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “Any measures that help jobseekers ‘hit the ground running’ are welcomed by business. All the employers I talk to bemoan the lack of discipline, passion and teamworking skills in job applicants.”