A new jobcentre is now open in Gravesend and ready to help local jobseekers find their next role.

The new temporary site in New Road was officially opened on Wednesday by Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Baroness Stedman-Scott.

A team of 44 work coaches are based in the new jobcentre, giving even more people direct access to tailored support to look for work and find the best new opportunities.

DWP Lords Minister Baroness Stedman-Scott said: “The opening of this new temporary jobcentre is our Plan for Jobs in action and it’s fantastic to see our new local team of work coaches ready to 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 Gravesend we can help match jobseekers with the right role, helping them back on their feet.”

Gravesend New Road 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. The additional space will accommodate new work coaches recruited in Gravesend, helping more people to transform their lives through tailored employment support.

Stewart Paterson is one of those new recruits and already part of the team at Gravesend New Road.

He 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.”

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend