The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expanding its Support Conversations scheme to up to 40,000 out-of-work benefit claimants, offering hour-long personalised sessions aimed at removing barriers to employment. The initiative, part of a £3.5 billion government investment to support disabled people into work, will roll out to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain, up from the initial six trial locations.
What Are Support Conversations?
Support Conversations are voluntary, one-to-one sessions designed to take a holistic view of a claimant's life, addressing factors such as health, debt, skills, employment, rehabilitation, and housing. Unlike standard Jobcentre appointments, which focus primarily on employment status, these sessions aim to identify additional assistance claimants may be entitled to and help them move into meaningful work or activities like volunteering.
The sessions will be delivered by Healthcare Professionals, Pathways to Work Advisers, and Disability Employment Advisers. The scheme is specifically targeted at disabled people and those with health conditions receiving out-of-work benefits, including individuals awaiting a Work Capability Assessment who have registered a health condition or disability, and those assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).
Government's Plan for Change
Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson stated: "Too many disabled people and people with health conditions face barriers that stop them from accessing the support and opportunities they deserve. That is why we are expanding the number of sites delivering Support Conversations from 6 to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain, giving up to 40,000 people personalised help tailored to their circumstances. Getting more people into good work is central to our Plan for Change and Support Conversations will help us do exactly this."
The expansion follows a successful trial across six locations, where participants reported feeling "listened to" and "supported" by the initiative. The government will continue to assess the effectiveness of Support Conversations through healthcare professionals and disability employment advisors as the scheme rolls out.
List of Confirmed Jobcentre Sites
The 33 Jobcentres offering Support Conversations include: Aberdare, Berwick Upon Tweed, Blaydon, Bournemouth, Didsbury, Glenrothes, Grimsby, Hoxton, Lancaster, Leeds Park Place, Leicester Charles Street, Leicester Wellington Street, North Shields, Northwich, Preston, Rusholme, Saltcoats, Shettleston, South Shields, Southend, Sparkhill, Springburn, Sunderland, Thornaby, Wester Hailes, Whitehaven, and Workington.
