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You are welcome to use the Jobcentre services at any time. The opening hours are displayed at every Jobcentre.

Normally you will have to go to the Jobcentre at least every fortnight to sign a declaration to show that you have, among other things, been actively seeking work and are still available for work.

Each time you attend we will also discuss how your job search is going and whether you need any additional help, and ensure that you still satisfy the entitlement conditions for Jobseeker's Allowance. You are advised to keep a record of what you are doing to find work.

We will talk to you about:

• how you are getting on with action which has been previously agreed
• whether or not there are vacancies you might be interested in
• availability of training courses, jobsearch programmes or other services that might be helpful
• whether or not your Jobseeker's Agreement needs changing
• what you must do to remain entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance
• other opportunities and benefits.

New Jobseeker Interview

At the New Jobseeker Interview the Employment Service Adviser will:

• make sure you understand the conditions for receiving Jobseeker's Allowance
• discuss the types of work you are looking for and the best ways of finding it
• give you information about jobs, training and the other opportunities that are available, discuss with you and draw up a Jobseeker's Agreement
• check that you have completed the claim form fully and provided all the information needed to work out your Jobseeker's Allowance claim.

You will be given an ES40 booklet at your New Jobseeker Interview. This booklet contains important information about

• what you must do to carry on getting Jobseeker's Allowance
• some of the changes you must tell us about. Other things you must tell us about are mentioned in the leaflet INF 4 which is included in the claim pack
• the help that is available to help you back to work and
• what to do when your Jobseeker's Allowance stops, for example when you start work.

Keep the booklet in a safe place and bring it with you every time you attend the Jobcentre.

Making Fortnightly Declarations by Post

Although you would normally have to attend the Jobcentre each fortnight, you may be able to make declarations by post if:

• your journey by public transport would take one hour or more each way
• your complete journey by public transport would result in an absence away from home for more than four hours
• you have a health condition that affects your ability to attend the Jobcentre.

Ask your Employment Service Adviser for further information.

Regular Advisory Interviews

As well as seeing you each fortnight, we will ask you to attend regular more detailed interviews while you are still claiming Jobseeker's Allowance.

These interviews allow more time for you and the Employment Service Adviser to look at your situation, consider what options are available and review your Jobseeker's Agreement to make sure the steps in it offer you the best chance of finding work.

You must attend when you are told to do so, or you may lose your Jobseeker's Allowance.

Jobseeker's Directions

During an interview, an Employment Service Adviser may suggest that a particular course of action will improve your chances of getting a job. It may be necessary, however, for an adviser to direct you to follow the advice by issuing a Jobseeker's Direction.

A Jobseeker's Direction will:

• be given with a view to helping you find employment or improving your prospects of being employed
• take into account personal circumstances
• be in writing.

You may lose benefit if you cannot show that you had good reason for not carrying out a Jobseeker's Direction.