Free careers guidance is now being offered through Jobcentres in England, the BBC reports, after around 500 qualified advisers transferred into the Department for Work and Pensions. The move brings the National Careers Service into the department, so that jobsearch help and careers advice sit in one place.

Key points

  • Who — around 500 qualified careers advisers have joined the DWP.
  • What — free information, advice and guidance for everyone, whether or not they claim benefits.
  • How — online, by phone, or face-to-face in Jobcentres from later this month.
  • Extra help — priority for those facing bigger hurdles, including young people not in education, employment or training and disabled people.

The service is open to all, not just those receiving benefits. People can use it online, over the phone, or in person at a Jobcentre, where appointments will be available later this month. Advisers will give more detailed support to those who find it hardest to move into work or learning, such as under-18s who have left school or college, young people who are not in education, employment or training, and disabled people.

Minister for Employment Andrew Western said:

Everyone deserves the chance to find secure, meaningful work and build a career.
He added that putting careers advice and jobcentre support together would join up services that had been split apart.

The change is part of wider reforms, including £2.5 billion for youth employment support to create almost a million opportunities to earn and learn, and £3.5 billion for employment support for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. The government is also developing a Jobs and Careers Service, which will include Work Hub, an AI assistant offering round-the-clock guidance on career development, job searching and applications.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For anyone in England who wants to change jobs, return to work or get advice on training, there is now a single route through Jobcentres — and you do not have to be on benefits to use it. The main change is that careers advice and employment support are no longer separate services.

  • Getting help — you can call the freephone number, use the online service, or book a face-to-face appointment at a Jobcentre from later this month.
  • If you face extra barriers — under-18s out of school or college, young people not in work or training, and disabled people will get more in-depth guidance.