Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Vulnerable People: Support into Work

Monday 7 October 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals with mental health conditions into work through tailored initiatives at jobcentres and partnerships with NHS talking therapies.
  • Steps to Work programme and Linden Court, essential services for individuals with learning disabilities, are under threat in East Sussex.
  • Buckland review recommendations for improving employment opportunities and addressing outdated hiring practices for autistic people will be discussed in an upcoming meeting with Sir Robert.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Employment Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

The MP expressed concerns about the barriers faced by individuals with fluctuating conditions, particularly mental health issues, in accessing employment support. She highlighted a local jobcentre's effective teamwork but noted significant challenges.

Question

I am concerned about the barriers faced by individuals with fluctuating conditions, particularly those with mental health issues, both for them and prospective employers. Can you give us an idea of what might be included in the White Paper regarding support for employers to hire such candidates?

Answer from Stephen Timms

We are committed to supporting vulnerable customers into work through tailored initiatives at jobcentres and partnerships with NHS talking therapies. More will be outlined in the 'Getting Britain Working' White Paper, but currently we offer tailored support for individuals with mental health conditions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response did not provide specific details on employer support that was asked for.

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Q2 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Employment Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

The MP praised a local jobcentre's efforts but noted significant barriers for people with fluctuating conditions, especially mental health issues. She questioned the government's plans to support employers.

Question

In my constituency, there is an excellent jobcentre team supporting constituents overcome benefits and employment hurdles. However, those with fluctuating conditions like mental health face major obstacles both personally and from prospective employers. Can you give us an idea of what might be in the White Paper regarding employer support for such individuals?

Answer from Stephen Timms

I welcome my hon. Friend's report and agree there is a major challenge with increased inactivity due to fluctuating conditions, particularly mental health issues. We are already providing tailored support through NHS talking therapies and primary care partnerships, but more will be outlined in the 'Getting Britain Working' White Paper.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response did not provide specific details on employer support that was asked for.

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Q3 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Social Care Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP expressed concerns about the Conservative-run East Sussex county council's plans to close the Steps to Work programme and Linden Court, which supports people with learning disabilities in employment.

Question

Conservative-run East Sussex county council is threatening to close the Steps to Work programme and Linden Court, essential services for individuals with learning disabilities. Will you urge the council to halt these plans or consider selling off buildings instead of closing critical support services?

Answer from Stephen Timms

I welcome my hon. Friend's positive report on the work at his local jobcentre, but I agree that there is a need for more support for people with learning disabilities in employment rather than less. If he sends me the details of his concerns, I will look into them further.

Not addressed: The MP asked about specific actions to stop the closure plans or find alternative funding sources, but no direct commitment was given.

How: Looking Into It

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

The MP referenced the Buckland review focusing on improving employment opportunities for autistic individuals by addressing outdated recruitment practices.

Question

The Buckland review highlighted the need to improve employment opportunities and address outdated hiring practices for autistic people. How will you use this review to drive real change through Access to Work and other DWP interventions?

Answer from Stephen Timms

I thank the hon. Lady for her welcome and look forward to a meeting with Sir Robert later this month, where we will discuss these matters.

Not addressed: The MP asked about using the Buckland review for real change but received only a statement about future meetings without concrete plans.

How: Future Meetings

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Q5 Mims Davies Con East Grinstead and Uckfield
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

The MP inquired about the overdue disability action plan update, questioning if the government would commit to hosting the 2031 Special Olympics as previous Conservative governments did.

Question

The disability action plan mid-year update is overdue. When will there be an update? Also, will your Government commit like previous ones did to hosting the 2031 Special Olympics?

Answer from Stephen Timms

We will provide more information in the 'Getting Britain Working' White Paper. If the hon. Lady would like to discuss the Special Olympics further, I am happy to look into it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for a specific timeline and commitment but received only vague responses about future discussions.

How: Future White Paper, Further Discussion

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