THE Jobcentre has reassured benefits claimants in Farnham that measures are already in place to support those concerned about the transition to Universal Credit.

Universal credit (UC), the Government’s new all-encompassing benefits system, currently only applies to ‘basic single people’ in Waverley borough and therefore excludes those with children and families, and anyone living in supported housing such as Step by Step in Farnham.

However, the full roll-out of UC is expected to take place in Waverley in July 2018, after which anyone who currently claims benefits in the borough will switch to the new system.

UC has faced criticism nationally for pushing claimants into debt, rent arrears and eviction as a result of its switch from weekly or bi-weekly to monthly payments.

This, critics have suggested, when combined with delays registering for the new system, has left some facing a six-week delay for a first benefit payment, forcing them to turn to food banks and loan sharks to pay for basic living essentials.

But Hazel Prior, employment assistant at Waverley’s local Jobcentre in Aldershot, has reassured those concerned about the roll-out that the necessary support is in place for the most vulnerable claimants.

She said: “What’s happening is the government is trying to get people used to having monthly pay, so it takes one week to process the UC claim, and then of course you won’t get your first payment until four weeks after that.

“This has caused problems in some parts of the country, but we haven’t been affected too much here because our most vulnerable claimants as well as those with children and families are still supported by the old benefits system.

“For those who have been affected, landlords including Waverley and Rushmoor councils and the local housing associations are being really good and are working with them, and we’ve also got lots of help for people that are having money difficulties.

“If anyone is claiming UC and they haven’t got any money and they’re really vulnerable, we can give an advanced payment for instance. But generally we believe getting people into work is what we do best, and the best way to overcome these problems.”

Hazel added the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits in Waverley fell one per cent in January compared to the same time last year, with 370 claimants ‘signed on’ last month against 365 12 months earlier.

She has also highlighted a number of “exciting opportunities” coming up in the next month that could help drive down this figure even further:

• Disability support firm PBS4 is looking for someone to support a 20-year-old Aldershot man in his day to day life, going out on trips bowling, swimming or shopping, four days per week for eight hours a day. The rate of pay is £9.80 per hour and anyone interested can meet the employer at Aldershot Jobcentre on Wednesday, March 8, between 10.30am and 2pm, or alternatively email [email protected].

• The Bush Hotel in Farnham has vacancies for full and part time bar staff, breakfast assistants, a part time assistant night manager and a part time receptionist. For more information email CV to [email protected].

• Glendale Services is recruiting for grounds maintenance operatives to work in the Waverley area, seasonally from April to the end of October, 40 to 45 hours per week. To apply call 01252 856628.

• Damian Hinds, the MP for East Hampshire, is hosting an event called New Directions at Alton College on Tuesday, April 11, between 12pm and 6pm, aimed at enabling over-50s to meet a wide range of employers, training providers and voluntary organisations. For more information and to register, visit the website www.newdirectionsalton.eventbrite.co.uk.

• A recruitment event is being held at Aldershot Jobcentre on February 27 for a new residential care home, ‘Potuns’, located between Farnham and Aldershot. Anyone interested in attending can call Hazel Prior on 01252 356511.

• Aldershot Enterprise Centre is offering six free workshops in February and March aimed at those thinking of starting their own business, covering diverse topics from driving to beauty, marketing, film production, craft and finance. To book onto any of these workshops call 01252 916000.

• Training provider Abilities is seeking claimants aged 25 and over for a voluntary programme offering one to one support, advice and guidance, employability skills, work experience and volunteer placements as well as accredited learning. To take up this support call 01202 802606.

For more information on any of the above, call Hazel Prior at the Aldershot Jobcentre on 01252 356511.