New Jobcentre Plus employment surgeries in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill

Employment Minister Mims Davies MP officially launched the initiative at the Bentswood Community Hub, Haywards Heath, on Friday (June 25).

The sessions will take place in community venues with Department for Work and Pensions ‘work coaches’.

“At DWP we’re committed to ensuring that people in Mid Sussex and right across the country have local access to the support they need to get back into work and really progress,” said Mims Davies.

She added that the employment surgeries will offer tailored assistance, helping jobseekers find training and work opportunities that are best for them.

“Through our Plan for Jobs, we’re continuing to boost job prospects in all corners of the country,” she said.

The employment surgeries will give people advice about completing application forms and provide support with applying for jobs online.

They will also clarify the rules and conditions for claiming Universal Credit and offer information on the latest Jobcentre Plus initiatives.

“We hope to reach into our community with this service to further help people back into work,” said Haywards Heath Jobcentre Manager David Hughes.

“This will be a great opportunity for our customers to access the right support,” he added.

Mid Sussex District Council will complement the Job Centre support with additional employment services to help those who do not receive Universal Credit.

All sessions will be by appointment only because of social distancing requirements.

People can book a slot by emailing [email protected].

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the UK economy and it has been difficult to witness first-hand the distress that losing a job has caused to members of our community,” said Councillor Ruth de Mierre, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services.

“Thankfully the Government has provided much needed financial support, which has helped us to weather the worst of the storm and we can now look to build back better for the future,” she added.

Bentswood Community Hub is managed by Sussex Clubs for Young People, on behalf of Clarion Futures, which is the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group.

It works to support community activities, offering help with employment and training, as well as youth social action projects and digital inclusion sessions.