Costs of Back to Work Assessment Centres related to Tesco Alliance store 2014 (FOI)

​​​Request

A.

The total costs of running four Back to Work “Assessment Centres” for jobseekers at the Best Western Royal Hotel, David Place, St Helier on various dates during the first week of August 2014 in order to help Tesco by Alliance recruit general assistants and supervisors for its new retail store in Charing Cross.

B.

Identify which costs, if any, were incurred by Back to Work and which costs, if any, were paid by Tesco by Alliance.

C.

Confirm whether these costs include any estimate of the time spent by Social Security Department staff in arranging for jobseekers to attend the centres and in staff attending the centres themselves, or any other staff costs that may have been incurred.

D.

Confirm who paid for the hire of the facilities at the Best Western Royal Hotel, David Place, St Helier.

Response

Answers provided in order requested:

A.

There were 5 Assessment Centres run over the 2 days.

• 04/08: 1.30 to 3pm; 3.30 to 5pm;
• 05/08: 9.30 to 11am; 11.30 to 1pm; 1.30 to 3pm.

We negotiated a total discounted rate of £320 for all 5 events. This was for room hire.

B.

The total costs were paid by Back to Work. There were no costs paid by Tesco by Alliance

C.

These costs do not include an estimate of staff time. No additional staff costs were incurred other than normal salary.

D.

Back to Work paid for the hire of the facilities