Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Long-term Sickness: Employment

Monday 5 February 2024 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have initiatives to support disabled people and those with long-term sickness to find and retain employment.
  • The Department highlights the success of local DWP programs like Reed in Partnership in helping constituents with long-term sickness into work.
  • The Minister expressed interest in meeting with Endometriosis Support Hull and East Yorkshire to discuss best practices for supporting women with endometriosis in the workplace.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alexander Stafford
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The questioner is concerned about the steps being taken by the Department to help individuals suffering from long-term illnesses or disabilities enter and maintain employment.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help people with long-term sickness into work. The Government have a range of initiatives, but there are concerns over whether these measures effectively support individuals in finding and retaining employment.

Answer from Mims Davies

This Government have a range of initiatives to support disabled people and people with long-term sickness to start, stay and succeed in work. At the autumn statement, we built on that by expanding universal support, launching WorkWell pilots and establishing work on the reform of the fit note.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provided a general overview but did not specify concrete steps or commitments to help individuals stay in employment permanently.

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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The questioner highlights the work being done by Reed in Partnership, a DWP funded program in Rotherham, and asks about measures ensuring those who go through such programmes remain employed long-term.

Question

What is her Department doing to make sure that those who go through these programmes stay in work permanently and contribute to the local economy? The hon. Friend highlights the value of local DWP programs like Reed in Partnership, which has supported constituents with long-term issues of sickness and illness in Rotherham.

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the value of our local DWP programmes. In Rother Valley, the Reed in Partnership approach has given vital support to his constituents, helping them into work. It is vital to keep supporting them to remain there, and that is where that particular programme helps. Access to Work and our Disability Confident scheme are just some of the initiatives to support disabled people and those with health conditions while in employment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer mentions support schemes but does not provide specific details on measures ensuring long-term employment for programme participants.

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Q3 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

Half of women surveyed with endometriosis often or frequently have to take time off work due to their condition, and one in six had to give up work altogether. The questioner seeks a meeting between the Minister and local advocates to discuss best practices for supporting these women.

Question

Will the Minister meet the incredible women from Endometriosis Support Hull and East Yorkshire to discuss the work they are doing with the local trade unions to create a best practice charter for employers in Hull to support women with endometriosis in the workplace?

Answer from Mims Davies

I was in Aberdeen on Thursday meeting women with health conditions and hearing about how we can better support women who are having debilitating impacts from the menopause. That was in the oil and gas sector, where it takes a long time to build up to a senior career. I would be interested to hear about the work that the hon. Lady's local team are doing. Through the wider women's health strategy, we are supporting women to have a thriving career all the way through.

Not addressed: The Minister changed the subject from endometriosis support in Hull to menopause support in Aberdeen.

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