2COptional work-focused interviews

1

Regulations may make provision for conferring on local authorities functions in connection with conducting work-focused interviews in cases where such interviews are requested or consented to by persons to whom this section applies.

2

This section applies to persons making claims for or entitled to—

a

any of the benefits listed in section 2A(2) above, or

b

any prescribed benefit;

and it so applies regardless of whether such persons have, in accordance with regulations under section 2A above, already taken part in interviews conducted under such regulations.

3

The functions which may be conferred on a local authority by regulations under this section include functions relating to—

a

the obtaining and receiving of information for the purposes of work-focused interviews conducted under the regulations;

b

the recording and forwarding of information supplied at, or for the purposes of, such interviews;

c

the taking of steps to identify potential employment or training opportunities for persons taking part in such interviews.

4

Regulations under this section may make different provision for different areas or different authorities.

5

In this section “work-focused interview”, in relation to a person to whom this section applies, means an interview conducted for such purposes connected with employment or training in the case of such a person as may be prescribed; and the purposes which may be so prescribed include—

a

purposes connected with the existing or future employment or training prospects or needs of such a person, and

b

(in particular) assisting or encouraging such a person to enhance his employment prospects.