Government’s Plan for Jobs 2021-11-03
2021-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The effectiveness of government support measures in Scotland is under scrutiny.
What assessment has the Government made of the effectiveness of its Plan for Jobs in supporting people in work in Scotland?
Our UK-wide total Department for Work and Pensions spend on labour market support will increase to more than £6 billion, which will give everyone a chance to progress, work and develop skills needed for the modern workforce. In Scotland, we have made available more than 15,000 jobs, with approximately 8,000 already started.
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Assessment & feedback
The effectiveness of these measures in supporting people in work is not addressed
Provides General Statements About Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK-wide kickstart scheme's impact in Scotland is being questioned.
Supporting young people to fulfil their potential is key to levelling up opportunity. Does my hon. Friend agree that the UK-wide kickstart scheme, which has made over 10,000 Scottish placements available, is another example of the UK Government delivering for Scotland?
I absolutely agree. If I can loop my answer back to earlier questions about labour market issues, I hope that the schemes put forward by the Government will help give the next generation skills to fill domestic vacancies.
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Assessment & feedback
The effectiveness of these schemes in supporting young people is not addressed
Acknowledges The Statement Without Providing Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a need for a proper plan for jobs focusing on Scottish renewables.
A proper plan for jobs would have Scottish renewables at its heart. The Minister could take four steps to unleash that potential: creating a dedicated pot for tidal energy, reforming transmission charges, funding interconnectors from island generators to the mainland, and backing Acorn carbon capture and storage project. Will he demand his Cabinet colleagues act now to create a proper jobs plan for Scotland?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. Acorn project is not dead, it did not get through first two rounds but will be in future ones. Through Department funding schemes like CoRE and Orkney islands growth deal involving tidal energy. I would facilitate a meeting with my colleagues at BEIS for wider issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific steps requested are not committed to
Offers To Facilitate Meetings
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The effectiveness of the Chancellor's Budget in creating jobs is questioned.
A meeting with BEIS Secretary of State to discuss issues would be accepted, but the Minister should also champion these. COP26 has made it clear that action is needed, not just words. The Chancellor's Budget did not have a plan for jobs; taxes increased despite Scottish taxpayers getting less support after a decade of austerity. Are the Minister and his Department comfortable with hard-working Scots facing the highest tax burden since the 1950s?
On income tax, Scottish Government are responsible and have higher taxes than rest of UK. On unemployment forecast was originally 12% but will be less due to changes like universal credit tapers leaving more money in hands of hard-working people.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about tax burden is not addressed directly, focuses on employment forecast instead
Shifting Focus To Unemployment Forecast
Response accuracy