The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant expansion of its 'Support Conversations' initiative, extending the programme to a further 27 Jobcentres across Britain. This brings the total number of participating sites to 33, with up to 40,000 people claiming health-related benefits set to be offered voluntary, hour-long appointments aimed at identifying barriers to employment or activities such as volunteering.
The scheme, part of Labour's wider welfare-to-work agenda, complements a £3.5 billion package of employment support measures designed to assist disabled people and those with long-term health conditions into the workplace. Unlike routine Jobcentre appointments, the sessions adopt a holistic approach, addressing issues including debt, housing difficulties, skills shortages, health concerns and addiction support.
Employment Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: "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 six to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain, giving up to 40,000 people personalised help tailored to their circumstances."
The conversations are available face-to-face, by telephone or via video call, and are conducted by healthcare professionals, disability employment advisers and specialist Pathways to Work advisers. The initiative targets people awaiting a Work Capability Assessment, along with those already deemed to have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).
The expansion follows successful trials across six pilot locations, where the DWP reports that participants felt more 'listened to' and 'supported'. This development builds upon the introduction of 1,000 Pathways to Work advisers, who have already assisted more than 65,000 disabled and sick people in moving closer towards employment, according to ministers.
The DWP has confirmed the following 27 locations as part of the latest expansion, with a further six Jobcentre locations to be revealed shortly. The Government faces mounting pressure to address Britain's rapidly rising sickness benefit expenditure, with millions of working-age adults now economically inactive owing to ill health.
