Damien Moore MP welcomes Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to Southport Job Centre to discuss UC.

During the visit Damien Moore MP and Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP spoke to JobCentre staff members about how to encourage more people back to work, Universal Credit, and how to support victims of domestic abuse; women returners to work; people with drug and alcohol issues.

It was recognised that with each of the above group types, there were different challenges to overcome, and that helping tailor the advice to each individual was important in helping them on their own particular journey back into employment.

One of the ways discussed in assisting people back to employment, was increasing work experience placements in local government offices, and further encourage local employers to do the same.

Further discussions revolved around the feedback from staff in relation to Universal Credit, which is found to be a more modern flexible benefit, giving people the ability to manage their own on-line claim.

It was also confirmed that support was always available for customers who did not have their own computers.

Commenting, Damien Moore MP said:

‘It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to Southport, the discussions we had relating tobringing further work opportunities to Southport, and increasing employment were successful.’

‘I would like to congratulate her for the increase in employment figures in the UK, which shows a Conservative Government and its policies are helping people back to work.’

‘I am also thankful to the staff of the JobCentre in Southport for the fantastic work they are doing. I saw first-hand the confidence they are giving to jobseekers; the subsequent result getting people back to work.’

Commenting, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd said:

‘Southport is home to a thriving economy and visiting the Jobcentre with Damien I was struck by how well the local jobs market is performing.’

‘I saw for myself what a brilliant job Damien is doing as a local MP, regularly meeting staff at Jobcentre’s and schools.’

‘I also saw for myself that Universal Credit is helping people into work and helping people manage their money.’