A NEW job centre has opened its doors to help Dudley residents fight back from the pandemic.

The new temporary Jobcentre Plus is in the former Peacocks unit on Dudley marketplace.

It is one of the new temporary sites announced by the Department for Work and Pensions earlier this year, adding to the existing 639 Jobcentres across the UK.

There is already a job centre in Wolverhampton Street, but temporary sites have opened around the country to accommodate new work coaches as part of the Government's Plan for Jobs.

The centre has 29 work coaches, some of whom recently joined DWP as part of its recruitment drive to hire 13,500 new coaches across the country to help more people to transform their lives through tailored employment support.

Every customer will get a dedicated work coach who will give them one-on-one support.

David Cooper is one of those new recruits based at Dudley’s new Jobcentre.

David said: “There is a real air of excitement within the new Dudley High Street Jobcentre.

"We’re forging new working relationships, training, and getting used to the new equipment and procedures.

"There is a positive buzz around the office as the mix of experienced and new work coaches combine in their efforts to deliver a first class service to the public.”

Michelle Moseley is the Customer Service Leader overseeing the new site, bringing with her 20 years of DWP experience.

Michelle said: “I’m so excited about our bright, spacious and welcoming new Jobcentre in Dudley’s Marketplace.

"Two thirds of our Work Coaches are new to DWP.

"They bring with them a huge range of experience from across different fields of employment, which will help them deliver our services to the people of the Borough.”