Kickstart Scheme Closure 2022-06-06
2022-06-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The closure of the Kickstart scheme has prompted concerns about how young people will be supported into work.
What steps she plans to take to support young people into work following the closure of the Kickstart scheme, which was supposed to generate 600,000 placements but only generated around 235,000?
Following the success of Kickstart, which has seen over 162,600 young people start their new roles, the DWP youth offer will continue to support our young people. The DWP's extended Jobcentre Plus network and youth hubs have helped move young people into local opportunities more quickly.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about measures after Kickstart closure was not directly addressed; only continued support through existing schemes mentioned without details on new initiatives or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Way to Work scheme is replacing the Kickstart programme in Sevenoaks and Swanley, with local employers like Go-Coach and Mount Vineyard using it.
Will my hon. Friend ensure that the Way to Work scheme focuses particularly on helping younger people, similar to how Kickstart was used by many local employees, especially for sectors struggling to recruit such as social care?
The scheme has transformed how we recruit everybody, including our young people. Our DWP employment advisers are working closely with employers to meet local demand for HGV drivers and care workers, and Way to Work offers a unique opportunity to ramp up recruitment in new sectors.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on focusing particularly on young people or social care sector; general statement about scheme's benefits given.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent named Tianna, who is an apprentice at Collins Aerospace in Wolverhampton, participated in the Kickstart scheme to showcase her skills.
Can the Minister reassure me that other young people in Wolverhampton will have equal opportunity to showcase their talents and ambitions in the future?
I can reassure my hon. Friend that jobcentres host employers' zones and youth hubs directly supporting young people furthest from the labour market with training and employment opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific reassurance for Wolverhampton; only general statement about youth support programmes given.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Kickstart scheme has been successful in generating employment for young people, notably in sectors like NHS where there are hundreds of new entrants.
What work is coming down the line to connect young people with some of those opportunities, including in digital and creative sector?
The Way to Work initiative is building key links with local employers offering good-quality opportunities for young people. Work coaches continue to support jobseekers of all ages in accessing vacancies and opportunities in demand sectors.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about future initiatives or new connections to employment; general statement given.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Kickstart scheme was expected to generate 600,000 placements but only achieved around 235,000, with some unfilled positions at closure.
Does the Minister really think we should describe that as a success? Would not most people be asking what went wrong?
I will happily write to the hon. Gentleman with correct numbers. Over 162,600 young people started new roles through Kickstart; employers found that recruiting young people transformed their business and recruitment practices.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address performance assessment or targets missed; provided a positive spin on outcomes instead.
Response accuracy