Welfare phone system to assist with workload

THE DEPARTMENT of Social and Family Affairs intends to develop a new system that will allow people to register for unemployment and jobseeker’s benefit using their mobile phone.

The department hopes the scheme can “address the workload arising from the unprecedented increase in the live register”.

A tender document issued by the department says it is seeking “a suitably experienced economic operator to work with the department in the rapid development and support of a mobile phone-based solution for dynamic selection and self-certification by claimants of unemployment benefits.”