The United Kingdom (UK) Department of Social Security (DSS) was succeeded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2001. DSS subdivisions that included the Benefits Agency, Child Support Agency, Appeals Service and Departmental Directorates also dissolved at that time. Soon after, the DWP emerged as a recreation of these UK Social Security Department agencies.
A fresh look at the DWP in recent years, finds the agency working with employers to equip and improve business operations, reduce welfare benefits and put people to work. With the demise of the Department of Social Security, UK government programs that exist through the DWP are bringing employers and employees together to improve the economy. As you look for ways to better your business operations, consider how the DWP can assist with the following steps:
1. Hire people you might otherwise overlook. DWP, the replacement agency for the Department of Social Security (DSS), has established programs to help businesses recruit new employees.
2. Contact the DWP for business resources.
3. Register with online services to manage your affairs and do business with government agencies from the convenience of your office.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Partner with the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to rebuild the labor market
After the dissolution of the DSS Department of Social Security, England sought to improve the economy and labor market through Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs). This program involves the government partnering with businesses to help them hire people with untapped potential. The goal of LEPs is to get people off welfare programs and help them start working.
I recommend: Jobcentreplus offers Employer Direct online as a free service to businesses in Great Britain and abroad that want to post job opportunities on the site. This service allows you to access the website at your convenience to announce, correct or remove job vacancies. Register your business profile with CompeteFor, operated by The
London Development Agency (LDA). Access a wide range of suppliers and bidders across the United Kingdom as well as news and event information.
Utilize DWP services in place of former DSS UK resources to improve your business
DWP, the replacement agency for the Department of Social Security of UK, offers businesses free resources that include recruitment events, interview facilities and expert advice as well as other information to help you run a successful business.
I recommend: Attend a free "How to Employ" Ability Workshop through the
DWP to learn more about recruiting and retaining disabled workers, obtain guidance packs, converse with other business owners who employ disabled staff, acquire more information about the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and to discover the resources available to you through your local Jobcentre Plus support team.
Utilize the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Infoline to get expert advice on workplace health and safety issues. Use an online form to report major injuries, diseases and dangerous workplace incidents in accordance with the law.
Conduct business online with government agencies that supplanted DSS
Access business systems, forms, experts and other valuable resources through online services offered by government agencies that exist for sole purpose of helping you manage your business.
I recommend: The
Pensions Regulator offers businesses advice and guidance on pension schemes. Get news by e-mail, download forms, request a speaker, exchange online services and more through their online services. Use
Business Link to reduce paperwork, bid for government contracts and utilize a variety of other services including the TRACES System, National Export System, PEACH System and New Computerised Transit System.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Contact the DWP (formerly the DSS) for information on your company's role in the child maintenance payments of your employees.
The official source of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is
the Department for Work and Pensions page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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