House of Commons · Westminster Hall
19 March 2025 · 7 other contributors · 4,180 words
Opened by Jodie Gosling Lab Nuneaton
Responding minister: Catherine McKinnell
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jodie Gosling raised concerns about supported internship provision in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The debate calls on the government to continue supporting these internships, particularly in the west midlands, to deliver opportunities for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Yesterday's statistics highlighted that only 1% of people with health issues who have claimed limited capability to work benefits return to work. The motion recognises the value of supported internships for those wishing to enter the workforce and for businesses to provide a more inclusive employment offer. Only 23% of businesses have applied for adjustments to accommodate disabled individuals.
Praised Asda in Tunstall for its excellent supported internship programme, highlighting the need to raise awareness of Access to Work and remove backlogs to support young people's entry into employment.
Committed to supported internships providing confidence for young people and valuable assistance for businesses. Emphasised the need for more businesses to be aware of the potential to recruit skilled permanent staff through these schemes.
Visited Asda in Spondon where there is a supported internship under way called Project SEARCH, delivered with the YMCA and the Direct Education Business Partnership. The scheme has transformed lives by enabling employment for those who struggled elsewhere.
Supported internships are excellent programmes that provide young people with EHCPs the skills needed for employment. The programme has seen success in various regions, including Newcastle where partnerships between universities and local businesses have been established.
Noted that several constituents with special educational needs are participating in supported internships at George Eliot hospital, resulting in 50% to 75% of participants gaining full employment.
The MP supports widening participation for NEETs in supported internships to help more young people into work, citing success rates moving from 5% to 60%. She also mentions the need for parents' involvement and support.
Discussed the DWP's efforts to reduce delays in Access to Work funding applications and improve the supported intern application process. Emphasised early intervention and inclusive provision, highlighting ongoing work such as appointing a strategic adviser on SEND, establishing an expert advisory group on inclusion, and setting up a neurodivergence task and finish group.
Government Response
Catherine McKinnellThe Minister for School Standards
Acknowledges the importance of supported internships in helping young people with SEND transition into work, committing to continue investing in these programmes. The minister also mentions an update on extending the Internships Work consortium and working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure outcomes are considered when addressing the SEND crisis.