[Important update about this site: http://refuted.org.uk/foi/august/]
Below are some choice extracts from DWP guidance and opinion on the subject of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and ‘Jobsearch Evidence’ (JE). In essence you can develop your own Jobsearch Records – log/diary (JR) to demonstrate your JE.
Note: The DWP guidance below only refers to keeping a “record” of Jobsearch (JR) activities and not presentation of copies of actual job applications, or emails (evidence) to employers for example.
1) Keeping copies of your JE
2) Jobsearch records (JR)
3) My Work Plan (activity record)
(Often used alongside a claimant commitment)
4) Showing Work Programme providers your JE
1) Keeping copies of your JE?
“Any copies [Jobsearch evidence] that are taken if there is a dispute about the amount of work search activity the claimant has taken must be with the claimant’s consent” DWP Central FoI Team 25 November 2014
2) Jobsearch records (JR)
“Actively Seeking Employment
76. We cannot specify to a JSA claimant how they provide us with records of their
jobsearch activity and Universal Jobmatch will not change this – it is not therefore
possible to require JSA claimants to give DWP access to their Universal
Jobmatch account.”
“Reviewing jobsearch
194. The JSA Regulations do not specify that claimants must keep written records of
their job search. However, encouraging a claimant to keep a written record of
the steps they have taken can help them to remember what they have done,
and will help to build up a picture of the progress the claimant is making in their
efforts to find work.” [emphasis added] DWP Freedom of Information Team 28 January 2015 https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/jobsearch_evidence_4#incoming-610890
3) My Work Plan (activity record)
(Often used alongside a claimant commitment)
“Completion of the My Work Plan booklet is not a condition of Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit. Completion can be refused without sanctions. This is confirmed in the
attached [Jobcentre] guidance.”
From: My Work Plan? -17 January 2013 – DWP Central FoI Team
http://refuted.org.uk/2014/01/27/myworkplan/
4) Showing Work Programme providers your JE
“Part 8.1 Evidence
If you wish me to undertake specific Jobsearch activity you must issue me with a Mandatory Activity Notification, if you want me to provide evidence of my jobsearch please note:
“A Work Programme provider may ask you to provide evidence of your job search as part of their support they give you but they cannot mandate you to provide it and you will not be sanctioned if you do not provide it”
From: DWP Central FoI Team – 28 February 2014 [9]
All evidence of my jobsearch is provided to the Jobcentre.” http://refuted.org.uk/2013/10/12/withhold/
www.refuted.org.uk 
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