A temporary Jobcentre in Maidstone was today opened by the Minister for Employment.

Mims Davies MP cut the ribbon for the new site in Lower Boxley Road which has opened as part of the government's Plan for Jobs scheme designed to give jobseekers more access to support and opportunities.

Ms Davies met with some of its 30 Work Coaches who will help people looking for work in the county town with one-on-one tailored support.

Ms Davies said: “It was brilliant to visit our new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Jobcentre in Maidstone and meet some of the fantastic Work Coaches on the front line.

"They are supporting local people to get into new jobs and making sure they have the right skills and boosting their confidence, so they can progress.

“Our Plan for Jobs is working – from Kickstart to Sector-based Work Academy Programmes – we are there to help people find their next role, fill vacancies, support sectors and help local people move forward with their lives.”

The site is one of 170 temporary Jobcentre's to open by the DWP. It joins those already set up in Ashford, Gravesend and Ramsgate.

Mark Dopson is a Work Coach at the new Jobcentre who was recruited during the pandemic.

Mr Dopson said: “It feels like a new start, a great space to support our customers to find the best solution for them whether it is work, support for job searches, training, Kickstart, Restart and making sure they are receiving the best support for them.”

Earlier this week the Government announced a £500 million funding boost to its Plan for Jobs, including extensions to the Kickstart and Job-Entry: Targeted Support (JETS) schemes.

Workers over the age of 50 are also set to benefit from a new enhanced support package to help them to stay in and return to work.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone