BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has won a cast iron guarantee that the new Job Centre Plus in the town will open in 2006.

The Labour back bencher raised the issue with new Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson.

He asked the Cabinet Minister when he expected the roll out for the new Job Centre Plus offices -- which combine benefit and employment advice in a user-friendly atmosphere -- to be completed.

Mr Johnson told him: "Job Centre Plus is central to this government's strategy to deliver full employment in every region and to modernise welfare delivery.

"Our roll out programme is progressing well, with over 530 new offices already in operation.

"The roll out programme will be complete by April, 2006 -- on time and on budget."

Mr Pike told Mr Johnson: "You know that I am a strong supporter of the Job Centre Plus concept, because it provides a much better service to the public whom it serves. It works far better than the old system.

"In the final part of your answer, you say that the programme would be achieved on time, so can you assure me that the Job Centre Plus office in Burnley will be open in the early part of 2006?"

Mr Johnson replied: "I can give you that assurance. My understanding is that the building of the new Job Centre Plus office in Burnley will commence construction in February, 2005 and will be completed in 2006."

Mr Pike commented afterwards: "I was pleased that the new Work and Pensions Secretary confirmed the date for opening of the new office on Burnley Town Hall car park."