Unemployment in the borough of Southwark, south London, stands at 18 per cent, which is above the London average and five times that for black and ethnic minority communities. Southwark is currently the fourth most deprived London borough in terms of access to employment.
Jobcentre Plus is the government funded employment agency facility and social security office for the United Kingdom. Its primary aim is to get 'economically inactive' people from welfare back into work. The UK’s unemployment and welfare offices have been redesigned and revamped in recent years, according to the government to “make the job-seeking and benefit claiming experience more like that in a bank or modern retail environment.” Job seekers who attend these centres are now called ‘customers’, carpets and upholstery are brightly coloured and staff chairs have wheels on them so they can pull back easily at any sign of aggression.
These images and overheard conversations are from Jobcentre Plus offices in Southwark, London.
