Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to page 71 of the report by Demos entitled, Shopping for Good, if he will implement the recommendation to set up clear communication channels with local charity shop managers on the voluntary nature of placements.

Jobcentre plus already has clear communication channels set up with employers including charitable organisations. DWP’s National Employer and Partnership Team work with 10 well known charities such as Barnado’s, British Heart Foundation and others to make over 62,000 volunteering and work experience opportunities available to Jobcentre Plus claimants. These are then communicated through the Jobcentre Plus network. As part of the process employer advisers discuss the voluntary nature and terms of the placement with the placement host as part of their signing of their Employer Agreement.

Jobcentre Plus will continue to develop learning and products to further support the conversations held with employers and charitable organisations when setting up voluntary placements.