Jobcentres recruiting 125 workers

More than a hundred jobs are up for grabs at Jobcentre Plus offices in Staffordshire.

The Department for Work and Pensions is taking on the staff at a time when the jobless total rises on an almost daily basis.

Offices where staff are needed include Cannock, Lichfield, Stafford and Tamworth, and applicants must be able to communicate effectively with customers and external organisations.

A spokeswoman for the DWP said they are recruiting for 125 posts, 95 of which will be customer-facing roles in jobcentres providing help and support to people looking for work.

She added: "The Chancellor's pre-Budget report in November announced extra money for investment in Jobcentre Plus services, including more staff."

The posts will include personal advisers who will act as caseworkers for customers, referring them to vacancies, opportunities and New Deal programmes.

The new staff will need to be able to deal with people of all age groups, abilities and backgrounds and to use a range of computer programmes to progress customer claims.

The DWP offers a starting salary of £19,650 rising to a maximum of £23,990. Benefits include 22 days holiday, flexi-time and training.

Visit www.dwp.gov.uk /working/irc5564.asp for details.