Guidance

May 2018: Touchbase edition 127

Updated 9 March 2020

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Find a job replaces Universal Jobmatch

The find a job service, which lets people search and apply for full or part-time jobs in Great Britain, replaced Universal Jobmatch on 14 May 2018.

The service offers jobseekers and employers a simpler and more streamlined way to log in and access their information.

Universal Jobmatch accounts can be accessed through the find a job homepage until 17 June 2018.

New Personal Independence Payment (PIP) videos

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched 5 videos to help people who are claiming, or are about to claim, PIP. The videos are also available with British Sign Language.

The PIP videos provide information on:

• who can claim
• how to claim
• what supporting information needs to be provided when making a claim
• the face-to-face assessment
• the decision process

Organisations supporting or advising claimants are welcome to feature the videos on their websites or social media channels.

For more information contact [email protected].

Tell Us Once – what to do after someone dies

Tell Us Once is a service that lets people report a death to most government organisations in one go. In 2017 to 2018, it was used by over 360,000 people.

Tell Us Once will notify organisations including:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• DWP
• HM Passport Office
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

It will also contact some public sector pension schemes so that they cancel future pension payments.

The service is available in 396 local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales either face to face, online or over the telephone.

If you have any questions about the service, email [email protected].

Consultation on building strong, integrated communities – invitation to respond

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has published the Integrated Communities Strategy green paper. The green paper sets out actions to implement the government’s vision for building strong, integrated communities.

Strong local partnerships between employers, jobcentres and other community groups can help break down barriers to employment and progression. These partnerships help employers realise the benefits that a more inclusive workforce can bring.

Individuals, communities, and organisations are invited to respond with their views on the most effective ways to address integration challenges by 11:45pm on 5 June 2018.

Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – applications now open

Applications are now open for the 2019 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The awards are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:

• innovation
• international trade
• sustainable development
• promoting opportunity through social mobility

Previous winners have reported benefiting from worldwide recognition, increased commercial value, greater press coverage and a boost to staff morale.

Businesses can apply online until 12 September 2018. Successful businesses will be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

News round-up

Government launches consultation on Claimant Count

Update on the future of DWP jobcentres

Unemployment rate lowest in over 40 years

Benefit cap leading to “working role-models in families”: Esther McVey

More support for non-parental carers

Government announces Tech Fund to support disabled people and their employers

A jobs Brexit