Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Unemployed People: Help into Work

Monday 11 July 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Work coaches develop individual support packages to help unemployed people gain new skills and find employment.
  • The Kickstart scheme has provided over 163,000 job starts but no specific improvements to its implementation were detailed.
  • The Department is expanding the Veterans Champions scheme to better support veterans on Universal Credit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Butler
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Unemployment in the UK is at a low level, but some local areas still struggle with joblessness despite available vacancies.

Question

I am concerned about small areas within my constituency of Aylesbury where people struggle to find jobs due to lacking necessary skills. Despite nearby vacancies, these individuals face difficulties obtaining employment. How can the Department for Work and Pensions help those who need new skills to secure work?

Answer from Julie Marson

Work coaches are empowered to develop individual support packages for claimants, helping them into employment and career advancement. The Department has various initiatives such as sector-based work academy programmes and the DWP Train and Progress scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address what specific skills training programmes will be used in Aylesbury or provide a timeline for implementation

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Q2 Rob Butler
Employment
Context

The Kickstart Scheme was intended to support young people entering the workforce by providing them with training and job placements.

Question

Can you provide an update on the progress of the Kickstart scheme, which has been criticised for its slow implementation?

Answer from Julie Marson

The Kickstart scheme has delivered over 163,000 job starts. While recognising its impact on individuals' lives, no specific plans were detailed regarding immediate actions to improve scheme implementation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address concerns about the slow progress of Kickstart and did not outline concrete steps for improvement

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Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Way to Work campaign was launched with the aim of moving more than 520,000 job-ready claimants into employment by June.

Question

How will you build on the success of the Way to Work scheme and continue providing support for everyone in the country?

Answer from Julie Marson

The DWP youth offer will extend opportunities to 16 and 17-year-olds, and there are various other schemes such as 50-plus champions, job entry targeted support, and in-work progression that the Department is focused on delivering.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how these initiatives will build directly upon the Way to Work scheme's successes or provide a detailed timeline for expansion

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Q4 Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield
Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

Up to 70,000 armed forces veterans are currently receiving Universal Credit and may require additional support due to the cost of living crisis.

Question

Given recent data showing up to 70,000 veterans on Universal Credit, do you believe that the existing 50 Armed Forces Champions have sufficient capacity to provide adequate support?

Answer from Julie Marson

The Department is extending the Veterans Champions scheme. The Minister will engage closely with stakeholders and others concerned about this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on how the capacity of 50 Armed Forces Champions can be expanded or improved to meet needs

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Q5 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Employment
Context

Estimates suggest that around 1 million people have left the UK's labour market, potentially due to various factors including economic conditions.

Question

By the time you leave office, how many of the estimated 1 million people who have left the labour market will be back at work?

Answer from Julie Marson

It seems inappropriate to mention Labour's record on jobs, especially noting that they typically leave office with higher unemployment rates than when they started.

Not addressed: Avoided addressing the number of people expected to return to work and did not discuss specific reintegration targets or commitments

How: Attack

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Q6 Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead
Employment
Context

The Department is tasked with helping unemployed individuals find work, reflecting the overall goal of full employment.

Question

What steps are being taken by your Department to help unemployed people enter into work?

Answer from Julie Marson

We launched the Way to Work campaign on 26 January 2022, which moved over 520,000 job-ready claimants into employment by June. We aim for everyone to find jobs and progress in work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide detailed specifics about other steps being taken or offer a comprehensive list of initiatives beyond Way to Work

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