Support into Work People over 50 2023-04-24
2023-04-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the employment opportunities for older workers in his constituency.
What steps he is taking to support people aged over 50 into work. The Government's 50-plus plan and our offer to help older workers return to work are being rolled out. That includes more intensive tailored support for eligible jobseekers, 37 full-time 50-plus champions, delivery of the mid-life MOT in jobcentres, online and with the private sector pilot project, and multiple older worker job fairs up and down the country.
The Government's 50-plus plan includes more intensive tailored support for eligible jobseekers, 37 full-time 50-plus champions, delivery of the mid-life MOT in jobcentres, online and with the private sector pilot project, and multiple older worker job fairs up and down the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledges the Secretary of State's visit to a mid-life MOT session for over-50s at Guildford jobcentre.
I thank the Secretary of State, who I know cannot be here today, for his visit to a mid-life MOT session for the over-50s at the brilliant jobcentre in Guildford. I was incredibly impressed with everyone I saw participating in that session. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this Government's belief that no one is ever too old to retrain and start a new career?
The Government supports all older workers, including those at Guildford jobs fair for older workers in May.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or plans to support older workers beyond the Guildford event were not detailed.
Looking Forward
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP declares an interest in the issue of older workers and emphasizes their value to organizations.
I declare an interest in the issue of older workers. In addition to encouraging people who are 50-plus to get into work, it is also important that employers understand that such people have immense experience and capability to add to their organisations. What more is the Minister going to do to ensure that companies, and all sorts of employers, take the opportunity to employ older workers, as they can provide great benefit to their firms?
Local jobcentres in Harrow East are working with Stanmore College and local employers to drive forward older workers.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures beyond partnerships were provided.
Sports Reference
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that many women over 50 are on long-term sick leave due to menopausal symptoms.
Almost 700,000 women over 50 are currently on long-term sick leave. Many are recorded as having depression or anxiety, with no consideration being given to the menopause as the primary factor. What consideration has been given to offering menopause awareness training to occupational health specialists, to enable them to better support women back into work?
The Department has appointed a menopause employment champion and is working on persuading employers to develop menopause-friendly policies. The Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Mims Davies), is particularly working on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific training details were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the importance of helping over-50s find employment to improve their quality of life.
Like the Minister, the closest I can get to 40 is No. 40, where I live. Helping over-50s to get back into some form of employment allows them to boost their savings and increase their quality of life in retirement. I know the Minister is keen to engage with people in Northern Ireland, so what discussions has he had with the Department for Communities at the Northern Ireland Assembly, so that those who have ability, talent and energy can find employment? There are many opportunities to do just that.
The team is engaging with Northern Ireland as much as possible, rolling out good work on the mainland and trying to address both mainstream employment and older-worker employment. A visit to Northern Ireland is planned for May.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific details about discussions were given.
Future Engagement
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledges the work of Tony Potter and the Anglesey DWP team.
Does the Minister agree that this Government are committed to supporting over-50s, including those in Ynys Môn, into work? Will he join me in thanking Tony Potter and the brilliant Anglesey DWP team, who are working with me to host a jobs fair for over-50s in Holyhead town hall soon?
The Government is committed, and the DWP team on Anglesey is doing a fantastic job. The Minister visited Llangefni recently and met Mr Potter and the DWP team working on the island.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions beyond acknowledgment were provided.
Personal Visit
Response accuracy