Well, there are some differing opinions here but it seems like the Jobcentres are trying to get their act together and really help people. He is gathering up his courage to go after I gave him a pep talk about how he could do it - I hope he gets encouragement and not a lecture. His previous experience with Jobcentres (they were called something else then) were that they were just a place where they had lists of jobs and you applied - there wasn't really any counseling or encouragement. I sure hope it's different now. I think some kind of dignified work that would get him out of the house would be beneficial, and even minimum wage would give him a bit more spending money.