Citizens Advice highlights ‘plight of Britain’s jobless’

The government agency charged with supplying unemployed Britons with their benefit money, Jobcentre Plus, has undergone a series of modernisation initiatives in recent months that have left some of the most vulnerable consumers facing a financial struggle, Citizens Advice insists.

Long delays in payment allocations and a lack of face-to-face services from Jobcentre Plus have left thousands of people out of pocket and facing serious financial problems, according to the nationwide charity.

“Jobcentre Plus failed to ensure there was adequate alternative access to benefit services for claimants who are unable to use the phone, who don’t have access to a landline, or who simply can’t get through,” said Citizens Advice chief executive David Harker.

“We now need to see adequate resources committed to ensuring that all their customers get a service that meets their needs, and we look forward to working with Jobcentre Plus to monitor their progress.”

More than 1.4 million people in the UK approached Citizens Advice about debt over the course of last year, according to the organisation’s own figures.