A new jobcentre is set to open in Basildon in an effort to tackle unemployment in the region. 

The new, temporary site will be based at Church Walk House, Church Walk Road, and is just a short walk from Basildon’s rail station.

It will be officialy opened by Essex MP and Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, tomorrow (Wednesday, May 26).

A team of 75 work coaches are based in the new jobcentre, giving more people direct access to tailored support to look for work and find the best new opportunities.

Mr Quince said: “The opening of this new temporary jobcentre is our Plan for Jobs in action and our local team of Work Coaches have really hit the ground running.

“Work coaches are the best source of knowledge when it comes to the local employment landscape.

"That’s why it’s so important that jobseekers have direct access to their support – from CV and interview tips, to government schemes such as Kickstart or Sector Based Work Academies to help boost skills.

“And by working with employers in Basildon we can help match jobseekers with the right role, helping them back on their feet.”

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Basildon Jobcentre Plus is one of the new temporary sites announced by the Department for Work and Pensions earlier this year, building on the existing 639 jobcentres across the UK.

The DWP has also undertaken its fastest ever recruitment exercise, recruiting 13,500 work coaches across the country. 

Kim Herson is one of the new recruits and will be among the team welcoming people at the new Basildon site.

She said: “Being a work coach is really rewarding.

"All roles come with their own challenges but being able to support customers during such an uncertain time is extremely important and gives me a great sense of purpose in my job.

“I have only been a work coach since March and love it already.

"It feels great being able to help people change their lives and move forward.

"The team spirit is always high even in a pandemic and everyone is really supportive.”