Changes to Jobcentre Plus vacancies statistics
In late autumn 2012 there will be fundamental changes in Jobcentre Plus handling of employer vacancies and services in support of job search. The existing source of administrative data is being decommissioned. This means that existing National Statistics on Jobcentre Plus vacancies will cease. There will be no further releases on Nomis.
A new service will be introduced to provide job search services to all jobseekers. New internet-based statistics from this system will be available to all users. This will provide wider coverage with timely and frequent updates. However, definitions will not be consistent with the existing statistics.
These changes are largely driven by the need to improve the service to job search customers. However, there are substantial benefits for statistical users too, as well as some changes to the structure of the series.
The consultation
Full details of the consultation are on pages 4 to 7 of the DWP Statistical Summary (August 2012).
DWP welcome your opinions and comments on these changes. In particular:
- Are there other breakdowns that you would like to see in the internet-based statistical information service?
- DWP appreciate that users will have some concerns regarding the break in series. What would be helpful for you as a user to bridge that gap?
- Given the likely changes to the coverage of this series across time, is there a need for time series longer than the planned twelve months?
- Given the availability of daily statistical information on notified vacancies, what value could be added by an officially compiled set of official statistics? How would you use compiled statistics if they were produced?
We will publish a report on the results from this consultation process in the pages of the Statistical Summary and via Nomis.
How to respond to this consultation
Start date 15 August 2012
End date 14 November 2012
Please ensure your response reaches us by that date.
You can respond by email or post to:
Stuart Grant
Information, Governance and Security Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions
Room BP5201
Benton Park Road
Longbenton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1YX
More information
Our How we consult page has more information about the code of practice we follow and explains how we deal with responses.
