Don't mock the Jobcentres - they work very hard.
It is not easy trying to figure out how to make mistakes between departments so that the delays out-run the une,mplyment and the client gives-up chasing the bit of money outstanding.   Giving clients the facts while witholding essential information. Writing letters from a Wolverhampton "claims" office to (say) Worcester clients when YOU know the Wolverhampton clients are dealt with from Worcester (we don't want angry personal visitation do we?). And they have to keep a straight face when you let on you fully understand they are doing it if not all that they do. If you want a few things to watch-out for go-to cresby.com and webmail me from there. I will prepare a few of my experiences that might serve as a warning.

On the plus side I made a point of getting to Job Club or the modern equivalent now they are out of favour. There is one aspect of work most of us ignore. We are thrown together daily as an unlikely crew with little choice of social compatability and have to tolerate those we would not choose as friends. It buffets our psychie and can annoy but it toughens-up the sensitivities and and hones the social skills. Job Club certainly does some of that - I can tell you - keeps that side of the jobskill sharp. You also get advice and free use of facilities like computers, fax and phone calls (if they are free you make more use of them & don't rush them). Job Centres will let you make work related calls - insist if necessary.

AND you might guess a lot of my time was used showing (or doing ) the techie computer bits to organisers and job-seekers alike.