Topical Questions 2020-06-29
2020-06-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Joy Morrissey praised the efforts of jobcentres and businesses in supporting employment during the pandemic.
Does my right hon. Friend agree on the importance of jobcentres and businesses working closely together to support employment and economic recovery, and will she join me in praising Pinewood studios in Beaconsfield for their exemplary practices?
The Secretary of State agrees on the importance of close collaboration between jobcentres and businesses. She is aware that Beaconsfield's local jobcentre staff are working with the local enterprise partnership to support people back into work, and she encourages companies like Pinewood Studios to use the Employer Help website for guidance.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The Pensions Regulator introduced an interim regime for pensions superfunds, which Jonathan Reynolds sees as a potential risk to financial stability.
Why has the Government not legislated for this area in the Pension Schemes Bill? Why are regulatory requirements so much lower than those for insurance company buy-outs? Is there indeed a potential risk to the UK's financial stability?
The independent Pensions Regulator published guidance on an interim regime for pensions superfunds. The Government will develop the permanent regime before legislating with full parliamentary scrutiny; market participants are aware that the interim regime may not become part of the final regulation.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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There are concerns about the Department for Work and Pensions having enough staff to cope with increased universal credit claims.
Will the Minister confirm that senior management is suggesting an additional 31,000 staff are needed? How will this action avoid chaos given the current staffing levels?
The Minister confirms that staff numbers are being reviewed, including the number of work coaches. She states they take an individual focus on claimants and will use a place-based approach to help people into work safely.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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There are estimates that the two-child limit policy has caused distress to over 230,000 families during the pandemic.
When will Ministers scrap this cruel and vicious policy that is punishing children?
The Minister states that all policies are under review, but changing this specific policy would cost £2 billion annually and is not currently feasible due to the Department's focus on responding to COVID-19. The policy is based on fairness.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Beauty salons are concerned about not being able to reopen alongside hairdressers on July 4th, leading to job losses.
Many beauty salons have shut down due to the inability to reopen as planned. What discussions has the Minister had with the Business Secretary to prevent further job losses and allow beauty salons to open on July 4th?
We are actively working with colleagues across Government, including the Business Secretary, to reopen businesses in a phased approach guided by science. Job losses are supported through DWP staff who work with claimants to get them back into work.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific concerns of beauty salons were not addressed.
General Discussion About Reopening Businesses
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The Access to Work scheme helps disabled people start and remain in work, especially those working from home due to the pandemic.
How is the Department adapting existing support through Access to Work to help disabled individuals who are now required to work from home?
We are looking at additional ways to support people through Access to Work, including travel to and from their home to work as well as working from home. Some of these changes may become permanent as we return to normal.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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60,000 families who made a claim since lockdown have been affected by the universal credit two-child limit.
How can it be fair that these families are struggling to feed their third or subsequent children when they could not plan for this situation?
We recognise the financial pressure caused by covid-19 and have invested £6.5 billion, including a £20 per week increase in universal credit, tax credits, and local housing allowance.
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Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
Universal credit supports new claimants and provides incentives to find employment as the economy reopens.
Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the strengths of universal credit is its flexibility in incentivising and rewarding employment?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; he is correct. UC pays up to 85% of childcare costs, reflecting actual household circumstances and adjusting monthly.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Jobcentres are using technology to help with employment opportunities amid increased uncertainty.
How are jobcentres using technology to assist constituents in securing future work opportunities?
Work coaches have made over a quarter of a million outbound customer support calls each week since June. We use technology for virtual job fairs, online mentoring circles, and facilitating sector-based work academies.
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