Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hampstead & Kilburn Simon Marcus joined Brent Conservative councillors John Warren and Joel Davidson at Willesden Jobcentre Plus to see the effect of the government's economic plan.
They heard from a number of Jobcentre staff about the impact of the Universal Credit roll-out, and how it is already helping people in Brent to find long-term employment. They were also joined by Alan Mendoza, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brent Central.
The number of people having to rely on out-of-work benefits has fallen by half in Hampstead & Kilburn since 2010. Unemployment has hit an all-time low this year across both Brent and Camden.
Cllr Joel Davidson commented on the visit: "We were all very impressed with the enthusiastic and professional way in which Jobcentre staff have embraced the Universal Credit roll-out in Brent. Staff have received comprehensive training to enable them to take a more holistic view of each claimant, and to work on getting them into employment for the long term.
"Jobcentre staff seem to be really motivated and feel empowered by the potential of Universal Credit to transform people's lives in Brent and across the country, and the atmosphere we encountered in the centre was certainly one of positive and constructive engagement with claimants.
"We are very proud of the current record levels of employment in Brent, and we applaud Willesden Jobcentre Plus for undertaking a slow but steady roll-out of Universal Credit that will ultimately help thousands more people to find employment and training opportunities in our borough."