Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Long-term Unemployment

Monday 18 December 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department is implementing the back to work plan to support long-term unemployed individuals into employment.
  • Work is seen as positive and beneficial, with the current benefit system designed to encourage those who can work to do so.
  • Department of Work and Pensions supports initiatives like the Restart Scheme to offer tailored training programmes for the long-term unemployed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP asks about steps being taken to support the long-term unemployed in finding employment.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the long-term unemployed into work?

Answer from Jo Churchill

We are delivering a suite of measures as part of the back to work plan, supporting customers on their journey to employment through interventions such as the restart scheme. We are working across Government to support those with health conditions get back to work, with programmes like WorkWell.

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Q2 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP questions the fairness of the benefit system, emphasizing the belief that those who can work should.

Question

As a Conservative MP from a working-class background, I believe fundamentally in aspiration, hard work and fairness. Does my hon. Friend agree that the benefit system must be a safety net for those in genuine need, and that those people who can work should work?

Answer from Jo Churchill

Work is positive, a force for good, and the system should be fair to both taxpayers and claimants. On average, those in work are some £6,000 better off per year, and Universal Credit was introduced because it makes work pay.

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Q3 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP acknowledges Buckinghamshire Council's skills bootcamps and seeks recognition for the initiative and support from the Department.

Question

Skills are clearly key to supporting the long-term unemployed to find work. Buckinghamshire Council is launching a series of skills bootcamps, targeted at the long-term unemployed... Will my hon. Friend congratulate Buckinghamshire Council on that initiative, and say what more she can do to ensure that those who need to upgrade their skills base are able to do so?

Answer from Jo Churchill

I congratulate Buckinghamshire Council on its fantastic work, including the construction skills bootcamp. The DWP supports individuals into employment through programmes such as the Restart Scheme which offers tailored training programmes similar to those mentioned.

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Q4 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
NHS Employment Environment
Context

The MP discusses meeting Everyone's Environment and asks about the Minister's involvement in green job initiatives to benefit those with disabilities.

Question

Earlier today I met Everyone's Environment, and we talked about how we can ensure that people with disabilities benefit from some of the new green jobs and training... Will she say what involvement she has had with that group to date?

Answer from Jo Churchill

I have met many from across the disability sector, including meetings of the inter-ministerial group on green jobs. When I was at DEFRA, I sat on the inter-ministerial groups for green jobs and disability access to ensure that everyone's talents can shine regardless of their disabilities.

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP asks about support for long-term unemployed individuals with disabilities, specifically those needing flexible working arrangements.

Question

Many of the long-term unemployed have disabilities. Some cannot work, but some wish to... What can be done to help those who have disabilities get into work, so long as their health can dictate when?

Answer from Jo Churchill

We have invested £2.5 billion in the back to work plan and will tailor plans for individuals who face health-related challenges, such as arranging non-rush hour travel or providing taxi support if public transport is not feasible.

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