DWP Central Freedom of Information Team
Annex A
e-mail:
freedom-of-information-re
xxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Our Ref: VTR 4636
10th January 2013
Annex A
Dear Karyn Adams,
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request which is detailed below along with our
response.
It has become clear that the DWP are making registering with Universal Jobmatch a
requirement on new Jobseeker's Agreements even though registering with Universal Jobmatch
is supposed to be completely voluntary. Can a claimant insist that the registering with
Universal Jobmatch requirement be removed from the agreement before they sign it if they do
not consent to using Universal Jobmatch without their claim to benefit being affected?.
The revised Jobseeker’s Agreement does not require JSA claimants to use Universal
Jobmatch. There is however, a new checkbox within the Jobseeker’s Agreement to include
how often a claimant will check their Universal Jobmatch account. This checkbox is only used
for claimants who have created an account and the decision on how often they will use the
service will be determined in agreement with the claimant. This checkbox will not be used for
claimants who have not registered with the service.
We intend to introduce mandation for Universal Jobmatch in 2013.
It is not currently mandatory for jobseekers to use the Universal Jobmatch service but it has
always been our intention to mandate some JSA claimants to register with Universal Jobmatch
and upload a CV so that they can make full use of the service.
We intend to require those claimants to do this under a Jobseeker’s Direction, when some
changes have been made to the service to fully support this. Jobseeker’s Directions require
Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants to take specific actions which will help them find work, and
failure to do so without good reason may result in a benefit sanction.
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number
above.
Yours sincerely,
DWP Central FoI Team
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Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing
freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team, Caxton House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NA. Any
review request should be submitted within two months of the date of this letter.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have
exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information
Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF
www.ico.gov.uk