Job Centre set for digital upgrade with free Wi-Fi and biometrics

London Bridge branch testing new technological departure from queues and notice boards

The Job Centre is finally turning its back on a decidedly low-tech tradition and making a push to move into the future, with biometric software, free Wi-Fi, and PC workstations.

Those who've spent time out of work may associate many Job Centre branches with noticeboards, cardboard job advertisements and a mild, yet persistent, whiff of urine in the corridors. But London Bridge Jobcentre - which is prototyping the new technology - says it's departing from this reputation at speed.

"We've moved away from customers coming in and standing in a queue waiting to be directed," said customer services manager Baljeet Mahal.

"We don't have podiums, we don't have public-access phones.

"If you look back to Job Centre Plus from years ago, we had boards with paper cards with vacancies on them - we don't have those any more."

The PCs in particular - which Mahal revealed will not be formally monitored for misuse - are estimated by the DWP to be capable of saving the Job Centre £2m a year.

Online, the Job Centre has been running Universal Jobmatch - which was developed by career searching company Monster.co.uk - since November 2012. Universal Jobmatch allows applicants to save job searches, upload a CV, set up email alerts and keep track of past applications.

However, the service has been criticised over suspected data security issues as well as allowing unsuitable or bogus listings to appear, including those for a pornographic actress and a mafia hitman.

Leaked DWP documents revealed in March that Universal Jobmatch may be scrapped in 2016 when the contract with Monster expires.

The London Bridge Job Centre has introduced security equipment such as special signature pads with biometric software that are designed to store data securely, an idea that is already in use in some European banks.