Jobcentre Plus, part of the Department for Work and Pensions, brings together employment and benefits services for people of working age and is a key element in the government's objectives to help people based on 'Work for those who can, support for those who cannot'. It provides a professional and modern service to meet the diverse needs of employers and those seeking work.

Among its key initiatives are Local Employment Partnerships (LEP), which are based on a 'deal' with employers who give people a fair shot at the job - through a range of measures which might include adjusting recruitment processes, offering work trials or guaranteed interviews, work placements, mentoring and so on.

By November 2008, more than 50,000 people had found work through LEP with more than 10,000 employers. For details visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.

Train to Gain is the government service that offers independent advice on improving the skills of employees. The service helps employers - of all sizes and in all sectors - to boost their business by training their staff. Skills brokers help employers to find the right training and the right providers, and construct a training package tailored to each business. (Note that employers with 5,000 or more employees will receive advice from the National Employer Service.) To access Train to Gain, contact a skills broker on 0800 015 55 45 or, for business support and advice, call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or visit: www.traintogain.gov.uk.

Chris Humphries CBE is Chief Executive of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills