MP CALLS ON JOBCENTRE PLUS TO PROVIDE FREE HELPLINE FOR ALL

12.26.24pm GMT Mon 23rd Mar 2009

Current System 'Discriminates Against The Disabled and Non-Welsh Speakers' Says MP

Brecon & Radnorshire's Liberal Democrat MP, Roger Williams, has today called on Jobcentre Plus to provide a free telephone and textphone helpline advice service to all benefit claimants, after a constituent drew to his attention that most claimants will have to pay to use Jobcentre Plus's telephone helpline service.

According to the MP, the recent letter sent to all claimants by JobCentre Plus, advising them of changes to the way their benefits will be paid, indicates that a free (0800) helpline is available for Welsh speakers, but the 0845 telephone and textphone number available for those with speech and/or hearing difficulties and non-Welsh speakers will carry a charge of up to 40p per minute.

Commenting on the situation, Mr. Williams said:

" This situation does appear to be discriminatory and it would be far better for Jobcentre Plus to provide a free telephone and textphone service for all claimants seeking advice and support, whatever language they speak or whatever their physical abilities. I shall be raising this issue with the Minister of State at the Department for Work & Pensions, Mr. Tony McNulty MP, as it is particularly important at this difficult economic time for benefit claimants to face as few obstacles as possible when seeking advice and support."