Work coach jobs go live as recruitment of jobcentre staff ramps up

Over 80 Work Coach jobs are now live in Edinburgh and the Lothians, as the recruitment of job centre support staff is ramped up in response to the pandemic.

Work coaches provide expert mentoring and support to jobseekers, including help with CV, interview skills and support to access back to work schemes.

Applications are open from today across Edinburgh, Bathgate, Galashiels and Livingston as well as other areas of Scotland until Wednesday 18 November.

It comes after research by the Centre for Cities has shown that Edinburgh's job market is facing a uncertain future, with available opportunities plummeting by 57 per cent year-on-year.

The new work coach roles come as more and more businesses fold in the capital, following central belt coronavirus restrictions forcing pubs and restaurants to close.

Coaches will be hired as part of a final round of recruitment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for 9,000 new Work Coaches across the UK by the end of March 2021.

This follows a successful initial phase of recruitment as the Government seeks to double the number of jobcentre Work Coaches available to support people to 27,000 by next March.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “Helping people back into employment and supporting business is a key priority for the UK Government. Work Coaches play a crucial role in giving people in Scotland, and across the UK, the support they need at this difficult time.

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment said: “Any Work Coach will tell you just how rewarding their job is. Helping someone back into work is really fulfilling. Knowing the positive difference you’ve made to someone’s life is a real boost.

“If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to support your community, put yourself forward for what is a crucial role at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery.”

Work Coaches help unemployed people to get going with a new career or workers to move on from a struggling sector. They also help arrange more one-to-one support, including schemes like Kickstart which helps young people receiving benefits into six-month roles provided by employers. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

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