New Jobcentre opens in Rochdale

The temporary Jobcentre in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre

A new temporary Jobcentre has opened in the Exchange Shopping Centre this week, giving jobseekers more access to support and the latest opportunities.

The new Jobcentre, which is serving Rochdale in addition to the existing Jobcentre on Fleece Street, has 10 Work Coaches. The site will focus on supporting younger jobseekers, with specialist Work Coaches based at the site.

Rochdale Exchange Jobcentre Plus is one of the new temporary sites announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) earlier this year, building on the existing 639 Jobcentres across the UK.

The additional space will accommodate new Work Coaches who will help local people looking for work in Rochdale with one-on-one tailored support to find their next role.

Sam Harrison is the Work Coach Team Leader overseeing the new site, bringing with her 30 years of DWP experience.

Sam said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to help our young people to gain valuable skills and employment. We are also creating space for local employers and providers so they can meet and work with our customers and hold interviews for our many Kickstart vacancies.”

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment said: “We know this has been a challenging time for many people and that’s why we’re boosting our DWP Jobcentre support in every community of the UK, including here in Rochdale.

“Every customer benefits from having a dedicated Work Coach. They know the local jobs market and work with local businesses to match jobseekers to the latest opportunities.

“It’s brilliant to see our Plan for Jobs in action, from Kickstart to Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, our Work Coaches are there to help people thrive and progress in work.”