Job Centres reportedly turn away graduates not claiming benefits
UKPulse Local Desk
A recent graduate was reportedly turned away from a Job Centre for not claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance, despite seeking employment support.
- A graduate was reportedly denied employment support at a Job Centre because he was not receiving benefits.
- Youth unemployment figures reportedly rose to 16.4 per cent last week, up from 14.2 per cent the previous year.
- Over the last five years, the number of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) has reportedly increased by more than 250,000.
A recent graduate, Oliver Dean, reported being turned away from a Job Centre after seeking employment support, as he was not claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance. He stated that he had recently left university and had no reason to apply for welfare support.
According to Dean, a staff member informed him that he could not be helped without being on benefits, even for part-time work. The staff member reportedly advised him to apply for Universal Credit via the official government website.
Youth unemployment figures reportedly stood at 16.4 per cent last week, an increase from 14.2 per cent the previous year. The number of young people considered not in employment, education, or training (NEET) has reportedly risen by over 250,000 in the last five years.
Why this matters: The reported policy of requiring benefit claims for Job Centre support may affect young people seeking employment.
What this means for you: If you are a recent graduate or young person seeking employment support, you may reportedly need to be claiming benefits to receive assistance at a Job Centre.