Returning to Employment Covid-19 2020-09-14
2020-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The furlough scheme has helped many employees keep their jobs, but concerns remain about supporting those who have become unemployed due to the pandemic.
What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to support people back into the labour market after becoming unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak?
The furlough scheme has been successful, and we have a plan for jobs including the expansion of SWAPs, doubling work coaches, and launching the kickstart scheme. Our jobcentres are fully reopened.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns have been raised about the skills and experience of older individuals being overlooked by employers in the current job market.
What steps will be taken to encourage employers not to overlook the valuable skills and experience that those aged 50 and above can bring to the workplace?
The SWAPs programme allows individuals to gain new skills, and our job-finding support package will draw on private sector expertise. JETS provides extra help for those unemployed for three months or more.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The kickstart scheme supports young people aged 16 to 25, but there is a need for training and support for older individuals.
What measures are being taken to help people over the age of 25 gain skills and training to secure employment?
Our £30 billion plan includes SWAPs, which provides training, work experience, and guaranteed job interviews. Older workers can participate and gain new skills.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The kickstart scheme supports younger individuals, but there is a need to ensure that older constituents do not miss out on support.
Will the Government ensure that those aged over 25 will not be forgotten and receive additional help and support for retraining?
Work coaches are key to identifying opportunities; we are doubling their numbers. In North Devon, a 14-week IT connect 50-plus programme is available to support those over 50 in developing digital skills.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The pledge to have 4,500 new work coaches by October has not been met; only 300 are in post.
Why has the target of having 4,500 new work coaches by October resulted in only 300 being available? What is going on?
We are recruiting a number of people into the Department, and existing DWP civil servants can move roles to become work coaches. The aim is to meet our targets on the agreed timescale.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific reasons for the delay in meeting the pledge were not fully explained
Far From What Is Going On
Response accuracy