Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Employment Incentives

Monday 17 March 2025 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill is currently being reviewed by the House.
  • We have introduced a new strategy with single point of contact and tailored on-the-job training programs.
  • Staffing levels have been increased to tackle the backlog in processing Access to Work applications.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP raises concerns about the adequacy of incentives for people to seek work, referencing data and policy changes introduced by previous governments.

Question

I am concerned that the introduction of universal credit and other policies have had an impact on people’s willingness to work. In January, data showed a 30% increase in incapacity benefit claims could be explained by demographic change and structural alterations; however, 70% remains unexplained. What assessment has been made of so-called sickfluencer sites showing how to game the benefits system?

Answer from The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)

The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill is currently being reviewed by the House. The issue raised by the hon. Gentleman is a priority for my colleague, the Minister for Transformation, who will take steps to address it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of sickfluencer sites not provided

How: Changing Subject

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Chris Vince Labour (Co-op) Harlow
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP visited Stansted airport and learned about its collaboration with the DWP for re-employment of long-term unemployed individuals. He inquires about broader efforts.

Question

I visited Stansted Airport where they are working closely with the DWP and jobcentres to help long-term unemployed people find work. What is the Department doing to promote such good practices across other organisations?

Answer from The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)

We have introduced a new strategy with single point of contact and tailored on-the-job training programs. We acknowledge the efforts in Harlow jobcentre and will continue to promote such good practice across other employers.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Steve Darling Lib Dem Torbay
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights unacceptable delays in Access to Work application processing, causing fears among disabled individuals about losing job offers.

Question

There are significant delays in processing Access to Work applications which cause concerns for disabled people who might lose their jobs. What reassurance can the Minister provide that there are plans to address this backlog?

Answer from The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)

We have increased staffing levels to tackle the backlog and will continue to prioritise this issue as it is crucial for disabled individuals to take up offered jobs. However, there is still more work needed in this area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or action plan not provided

How: Hedging

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)