Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the availability of telephones and computers for jobseekers to use in Jobcentre Plus offices; and what plans he has to improve the provision of such equipment.

The Digital Jobcentres project will modernise the Jobcentre digital infrastructure. From now until the end of October, we will be installing WiFi and new Web Access Devices (WADs) across the Jobcentre network.

These WADs will enable claimants to access Universal Jobmatch and other job sites, as well as allowing them to apply directly for vacancies that they find. The purpose of this new equipment is to help those who have no access to digital technology elsewhere.

WiFi will be available across the entire Jobcentre network by the end of October.

We will also be replacing around 2,300 Customer Access Phones with a new Assisted Service for claimants who attend the Jobcentre and are unable to access DWP services without our help. The Assisted Service is face-to-face and includes controlled use of a telephone. Support is tailored to the individual's needs.