DWP Central Freedom of Information
Team
e-mail: freedom-of-information-request@dwp.g ov.uk
Our Ref: FOI2019/19337
Date: 29 May 2019
Dear Frank Zola,
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request received on 21 May 2019. You asked:
[1] For JSA can work search evidence be provided on a claimants own digital device or as a
printed copy - or is it a mandatory requirement that they send a copy of their work search
evidence, to the DWP/Jobcentre/Coach, via email?
[2] For JSA can an up to date CV be provided on a claimants own digital device or as a printed
copy - or is it a mandatory requirement that they send a copy of their CV, to the
DWP/Jobcentre/Coach, via email?
[3.1] For UC can an up to date CV be provided on a claimants own digital device or as a
printed copy - or is it a mandatory requirement that they provide a copy of their CV, to the
DWP/Jobcentre/Coach, via the UC Journal?
[3.2] For UC can an up to date CV be provided on a claimants own digital device or as a
printed copy - or is it a mandatory requirement that they send a copy of their CV, to the
DWP/Jobcentre/Coach, via email?
[4.1] For UC can work search evidence be provided on a claimants own digital device or as a
printed copy - or is it a mandatory requirement that they provide a copy of their work search
evidence, to the DWP/Jobcentre/Coach, via the UC Journal?
[4.2] For UC can work search evidence be provided on a claimants own digital device or as a
printed copy - or is it a mandatory requirement that they send a copy of their work search
evidence, to the DWP/Jobcentre/Coach, via email?
I note the reply you gave in FoI 4201 of 20th October 2017
"It is not a mandatory requirement for the claimant to provide the required work search
evidence via their journal. The clamant must be able to provide written evidence of their work
search.
It is not mandatory for the claimant to upload their CV onto the journal, the claimant must
however be able to show a completed and up to date CV."
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/435142/response/1056696/attach/html/2/4201%20r
eply.pdf.html
Please also disclose copies of any DWP work search records templates, booklets or forms for
use by claimants.
DWP Response
I can confirm that the Department does hold some information.
The Freedom of Information Act gives you a legal right of access to any recorded information
held by a public authority. We do not have to provide opinions or explanations, generate
answers to questions, or create or obtain information we do not hold.
If you ask a question, rather than requesting recorded information, we will provide you with the
recorded information that best answers the question.
Once we have provided the recorded information, we have met our obligations under the Act;
interpreting the information provided is up to you.
Therefore, to be helpful, I have provided the following information outside our requirements
under the FOI Act and I hope that you find useful in responding to your enquiry.
Question 1
Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants Actively Seeking Employment (ASE), each week,
claimants are required to do all that can be reasonably expected to give themselves the best
chances of finding work. The work search activities that the claimant is expected to undertake
each week will have been agreed at their Initial Work Search Interview (IWSI) and recorded on
the
claimant commitment. Claimant’s will have been encouraged to turn these activities into
realistic and detailed commitments, explaining what they are going to do and how and when
and where they are going to do it in their
‘My Work Plan’ booklet. This information along with
other supporting evidence should be used to help inform the Work Search Review (WSR) and
determine if:
The claimant has provided enough information to enable a judgement on if they have
met the ASE condition
The actions they have taken are all that they could have reasonably done
Question 2
Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants who make a claim online will, after they have submitted
their application, be presented with a webpage which recommends a list of activities we would
like them to do before attending their
Initial Work Search Interview (IWSI): create an account
and upload a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Find a job or another jobsite. This requires claimants to
have a suitable email address and to upload a CV to their Find a Job or another jobsite
account. If the claimant isn’t yet able to create an account and upload a CV in Find a job or
another jobsite, the webpage asks them to:
create an email account that can be used for employment purposes; and/or
create a CV that can be used for employment purposes
The claimant will need to provide evidence that they have created an account and uploaded
a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Find a job or another jobsite. To help them do this, suggest this
may take the form of:
Prints of screens or pages from their Find a job or another jobsite account. This won't
be possible for claimants who don't have access to a printer or can't afford to print out
copies of these pages
Showing the screens or pages from their Find a job or another jobsite account if they
have access to the internet on their device, for example, a smartphone or laptop.
If it isn't possible for the claimant to do any of the above, advise the claimant that they can
login from an available Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) customer computer in the
office. However, the responsibility is on the claimant to provide evidence that they have done
this by whatever means they choose. If the evidence provided by the claimant is insufficient
and you aren't completely satisfied they have created an account and uploaded a CV in Find a
job or another jobsite, you must conside
r issuing a Jobseekers Direction. Regarding Question 3 and 4 no further information is held.
If you have any queries about this letter, please contact us 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-mailin
g freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@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
We
b: ico.org.uk/Global/contact_us or telephone 0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745
