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DWP Employment Provision Commissioning Strategy

The Department for Work and Pensions is developing a strategic commissioning approach for employment support services, including funding arrangements with devolved administrations and coordination of employment provision across government. The policy addresses skills gaps (particularly in digital and technology) and involves multi-year workforce planning forecasts from departments and arm's-length bodies. Current status involves publication of Connect to Work statistics and ongoing coordination with the Cabinet Office on government-wide workforce strategy.

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2026

12 events
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Work and Pensions linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether employment and apprenticeship reforms announced on 16 March 2026 include measures to reduce the number of young men not in education, emplo

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether employment and apprenticeship reforms announced on 16 March 2026 include measures to reduce the number of young men not in education, employment or training.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Work and Pensions linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to publish gender-disaggregated monitoring data on the potential impact of the 200,000-job employment and apprenticesh

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to publish gender-disaggregated monitoring data on the potential impact of the 200,000-job employment and apprenticeship programme announced on 16 March 2026 on the number o

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Work and Pensions linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking with the Secretary of State for (a) Education and (b) Business and Trade to reduce the number of young men not in education

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking with the Secretary of State for (a) Education and (b) Business and Trade to reduce the number of young men not in education, employment or …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Work and Pensions linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of disparities in rates of males and females not being in education, employment or training on

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of disparities in rates of males and females not being in education, employment or training on boys and young men.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Mar 2026 | Committee report linked

The Cabinet Office told us that, for the first time, government is developing multi-year strategic workforce plans for the civil service. The Cabinet Office has directed departments to provide five-year forecasts outlining the skills and capacity required to develop their workforces, including those of arm’s-length bodies. The forecasts include both consultancy and contingent labour.44 The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told us that its strategic workforce plan is aligned with Ca...

The Cabinet Office told us that, for the first time, government is developing multi-year strategic workforce plans for the civil service. The Cabinet Office has directed departments to provide five-year forecasts outlining the skills and capacity required to develop their …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Mar 2026 | Committee report linked

We asked the Cabinet Office when it expects to publish the new strategic workforce plan. It told us that there is no confirmed publication date at present, but it hoped the government would be able to release the plan within four months of when we took evidence (which was on 15 December 2025). The Cabinet Office told us that the strategic workforce plan will set out how government will tackle skills gaps across government and that the biggest gaps are in digital and technology skills, and in ...

We asked the Cabinet Office when it expects to publish the new strategic workforce plan. It told us that there is no confirmed publication date at present, but it hoped the government would be able to release the plan within …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

21 events
11 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

Careers advice helps people achieve their potential, improving employment outcomes, as well as unlocking huge productivity gains with significant economic benefits. However, careers advice in England is a patchwork of services that lacks cohesion and is confusing and fragmented. Overall responsibility for adult careers guidance has fallen between the Department for Education (DfE), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local government, with no coherent guiding strategy. (Conclusion,...

Careers advice helps people achieve their potential, improving employment outcomes, as well as unlocking huge productivity gains with significant economic benefits. However, careers advice in England is a patchwork of services that lacks cohesion and is confusing and fragmented. Overall …

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11 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

DWP and DfE should work together to develop a strategy for adult careers guidance. This should be based on an audit of the current career offerings and an assessment of the population’s needs. It should provide an overarching framework and objectives for any careers-related initiatives to follow. The strategy should also set out how the Government will balance providing a universal service while still focusing on those people and areas who most need support. The Government should produce this...

DWP and DfE should work together to develop a strategy for adult careers guidance. This should be based on an audit of the current career offerings and an assessment of the population’s needs. It should provide an overarching framework and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

DWP should review the funding and funding model for careers advice. It should develop a more strategic model that funds additional sessions for those for whom it will deliver the greatest impact and value for money, and in areas with greatest need. As it develops its new jobs and careers service, DWP should also review its incentives model for careers advice providers, ensuring it is aligned with the Government’s wider employment goals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 27) 18 Delivering a new jobs ...

DWP should review the funding and funding model for careers advice. It should develop a more strategic model that funds additional sessions for those for whom it will deliver the greatest impact and value for money, and in areas with …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government must also provide more certainty to staff and contractors. In the next 6 months, DWP should publish a transition plan for the NCS, setting out how it will be integrated into a new jobs and careers service and how contracts will be managed in the meantime. It should also commit to consulting with the unions representing staff in Jobcentres and the NCS. (Recommendation, Paragraph 45) 20

The Government must also provide more certainty to staff and contractors. In the next 6 months, DWP should publish a transition plan for the NCS, setting out how it will be integrated into a new jobs and careers service and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

Over the next year, DWP should undertake a detailed review of its work coach model. It should evaluate the difference work coach support makes to employment outcomes for different groups, identifying those who would most benefit from more support and those who do not require work coaching because, for example, they are likely to only temporarily be out of the workforce. As part of this, DWP should look at evidence-based options for empowering work coaches, including how to give them greater a...

Over the next year, DWP should undertake a detailed review of its work coach model. It should evaluate the difference work coach support makes to employment outcomes for different groups, identifying those who would most benefit from more support and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

DWP’s solution to a lack of work coach capacity is to use digital tools, with its flagship plan being a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’. DWP plans to deliver this digital tool in 2027–28, but has yet to define what it is, how it will work and who it is for. While it is good to see the Government bringing Jobcentres into the modern world, we believe that digital tools alone won’t be able to deliver the level of transformation needed. In particular, we are concerned that DWP has not fully addressed ...

DWP’s solution to a lack of work coach capacity is to use digital tools, with its flagship plan being a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’. DWP plans to deliver this digital tool in 2027–28, but has yet to define what it …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

In its response to this report, DWP should provide more details about its plans for a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’. DWP should set out what the public can expect from a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’, how it will interact with the current Universal Credit journal and how it will ensure it delivers a successful digital product that meets claimants’ needs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 77)

In its response to this report, DWP should provide more details about its plans for a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’. DWP should set out what the public can expect from a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’, how it will interact with …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

DWP should work with the employment support sector to develop a framework for the ethical use of AI in employment support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78) ‘Good jobs’ not ‘any jobs’

DWP should work with the employment support sector to develop a framework for the ethical use of AI in employment support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78) ‘Good jobs’ not ‘any jobs’ Type: conclusion | Number: 15 | Response status: partially_accepted Government response: …

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8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

The previous Government’s ‘ABC’ approach to employment support (any job, better job, career) has not worked. While it may move people off benefits in the short-term, it all too often does not lead to long-term, sustainable employment and exacerbates the low-pay, no-pay cycle. This is not a good outcome for claimants, employers or the taxpayer. We are pleased to hear that DWP will no longer force people into ‘any job’ available, with support 55 instead to focus on building rewarding careers. D...

The previous Government’s ‘ABC’ approach to employment support (any job, better job, career) has not worked. While it may move people off benefits in the short-term, it all too often does not lead to long-term, sustainable employment and exacerbates the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

To encourage Jobcentres to adopt longer-term thinking, DWP should add long-term employment metrics to its Jobcentre performance monitoring framework, such as whether people are still in work six or twelve months after leaving Jobcentres. DWP should also introduce metrics that can measure job quality, in addition to the information it already collates on increasing earnings. DWP should ensure that it incentivises employment support providers to focus on long-term outcomes and supporting those ...

To encourage Jobcentres to adopt longer-term thinking, DWP should add long-term employment metrics to its Jobcentre performance monitoring framework, such as whether people are still in work six or twelve months after leaving Jobcentres. DWP should also introduce metrics that …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

DWP needs to rebuild trust with employers. This will require making better use of its network of Jobcentres and the employer advisers who work in them. To start, DWP should consider setting individual Jobcentres targets for engaging local employers. This engagement should go beyond a surface-level relationship and focus on understanding the needs of these employers, providing information to improve work coaches’ job-matching. 56 As part of this, Jobcentres, particularly the existing employer ...

DWP needs to rebuild trust with employers. This will require making better use of its network of Jobcentres and the employer advisers who work in them. To start, DWP should consider setting individual Jobcentres targets for engaging local employers. This …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

Jobcentres offer a golden opportunity for the Government to influence employers and to create more ‘good jobs’. DWP should work with the Department for Business and Trade to expand Jobcentre’s offer to employers. The two Departments should work together to develop a support offer on better employment practices, including guidance on recruiting, retaining and training a more diverse workforce. (Recommendation, Paragraph 110) Integrating and improving services

Jobcentres offer a golden opportunity for the Government to influence employers and to create more ‘good jobs’. DWP should work with the Department for Business and Trade to expand Jobcentre’s offer to employers. The two Departments should work together to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

Many people who use Jobcentres have multiple and complex needs, which can act as barriers to them securing employment. Too often, issues that prevent people from finding jobs go unaddressed. Jobcentres and Jobcentre staff will not be able to address these barriers on their own. If DWP is serious about increasing employment, it will need to look beyond employment support and integrate Jobcentres with other services and providers. The voluntary and community sector can help Jobcentres provide m...

Many people who use Jobcentres have multiple and complex needs, which can act as barriers to them securing employment. Too often, issues that prevent people from finding jobs go unaddressed. Jobcentres and Jobcentre staff will not be able to address …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

DWP should improve how it works with the voluntary and community sector, but first it needs to understand its current position. DWP should undertake an audit of its existing partnership work. It should use this to develop new operational models and to identify opportunities for better local partnerships, such as increased co-location. It should also start collecting more consistent, detailed data about Jobcentre partnerships on an ongoing basis, incorporating partnership activities into the p...

DWP should improve how it works with the voluntary and community sector, but first it needs to understand its current position. DWP should undertake an audit of its existing partnership work. It should use this to develop new operational models …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s commitment to develop a locally tailored and embedded service. Local areas are best placed to understand the needs of their population and labour markets. Jobcentres need to be aware of the different local needs of people in their areas, particularly the needs of those who face additional barriers to entering work. Greater devolution of employment services also offers the opportunity to improve coordination with other services, such as skills, health and investment...

We welcome the Government’s commitment to develop a locally tailored and embedded service. Local areas are best placed to understand the needs of their population and labour markets. Jobcentres need to be aware of the different local needs of people …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

Achieving an employment rate of 80% is likely to be very challenging. The Government’s long-term ambition is to achieve an employment rate of 80%. This would represent a considerable increase – from May 2018 to October 2024, the employment rate fluctuated between 74.3% and 76.4%. The Department says that in some local areas the 80% employment rate is already being achieved. Its focus will be on those areas with a much lower employment rate, and the characteristics of the individuals in those ...

Achieving an employment rate of 80% is likely to be very challenging. The Government’s long-term ambition is to achieve an employment rate of 80%. This would represent a considerable increase – from May 2018 to October 2024, the employment rate …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

In November 2024, the government published its Get Britain Working white paper that set out plans for reforming employment support including a new jobs and careers service, bringing together jobcentres with the National Careers Service in England. The Department aims to create a universal service that will provide support for anyone who is looking to work, to get on in work, change career or retrain, not just claimants by 2028–29.17 This includes customers who do not use the jobcentre at the ...

In November 2024, the government published its Get Britain Working white paper that set out plans for reforming employment support including a new jobs and careers service, bringing together jobcentres with the National Careers Service in England. The Department aims …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

We asked the Department how realistic its plan is for a universal jobs and careers service given the current shortage of work coaches. The Department said it envisages a ‘pyramid’ with, at the top, a larger number of people who can access support and self-serve digitally and with minimal contact with a work coach. It described a fully online ‘jobcentre in your pocket’ which should complete roll-out in 2028. The Department also explained that, at the other end, it is about providing tailored s...

We asked the Department how realistic its plan is for a universal jobs and careers service given the current shortage of work coaches. The Department said it envisages a ‘pyramid’ with, at the top, a larger number of people who …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, the government allocated £55 million for the Department to invest in developing new digital services and testing elements of the jobs and careers service in 2025–26.55 We asked the Department what progress has been made in deciding how to use the extra £55 million in funding it had been allocated.56 It told us that it was spending some of the money on a coaching academy to upskills its work coaches on what the jobs and careers service is going to be, on its ‘pathfin...

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, the government allocated £55 million for the Department to invest in developing new digital services and testing elements of the jobs and careers service in 2025–26.55 We asked the Department what progress has been made …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

The Department explained it has a phased approach to the jobs and careers service. It said its ‘pathfinder projects’ are part of the first phase, testing new ways of delivering its services. In phase two, in 2026–27, it told us it would roll out further the things it has tried that have worked.58 The Department told us, for example, that it is trialling putting work coaches in GP surgeries and engaging people outside of jobcentres. The Department referenced a success story from Poplar in Lond...

The Department explained it has a phased approach to the jobs and careers service. It said its ‘pathfinder projects’ are part of the first phase, testing new ways of delivering its services. In phase two, in 2026–27, it told us …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

We asked the Department how it would measure the success of the new service and how it would measure the sustainability and quality of employment that people move into.63 In April 2025, the Department published Get Britain Working outcomes setting out eight outcome metrics that the government will monitor as it implements its reforms.64 The Department told us its eight metrics focus on the particular areas, groups and characteristics of individuals with a much lower employment rate than 80%. ...

We asked the Department how it would measure the success of the new service and how it would measure the sustainability and quality of employment that people move into.63 In April 2025, the Department published Get Britain Working outcomes setting …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2023

24 events
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We welcome the joint DWP and the DHSC Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) initiative that has tried out embedding employment support in mental health services for mild to moderate mental health conditions. The Department should work with devolved administrations to roll out IPSPCs more widely so that this service is available across the country. DWP should also consider how NHS integrated care systems can provide employment support to people with other long-term health co...

We welcome the joint DWP and the DHSC Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) initiative that has tried out embedding employment support in mental health services for mild to moderate mental health conditions. The Department should work with …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We have heard numerous positive reports about Kickstart, however, without a comprehensive analysis of Kickstart or any publication of data on employment outcome, it is not possible to say with any assurance how successful the scheme has been or what value it delivered for participants. We look forward to the statistical release which DWP has said it will publish “before the end of term”. DWP should apply the lessons of its forthcoming evaluation in considering possible future schemes along th...

We have heard numerous positive reports about Kickstart, however, without a comprehensive analysis of Kickstart or any publication of data on employment outcome, it is not possible to say with any assurance how successful the scheme has been or what …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

With the withdrawal of the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), there is no longer a dedicated self-employment support programme provided by DWP. Many people, including older people and disabled people, would benefit from the opportunity to start their own business as a way to engage with the labour market. DWP should evaluate the NEA and consult with external organisations who operate self- employment support schemes to design a new self-employment support programme that offers effective support ...

With the withdrawal of the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), there is no longer a dedicated self-employment support programme provided by DWP. Many people, including older people and disabled people, would benefit from the opportunity to start their own business as …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The Way to Work campaign focused on moving people into work as quickly as possible, without considering whether this work was suitable or sustainable in the long-term. This approach may reduce unemployment in the short-term, but the long-term positive impacts are not evidenced. It can also dissuade employers from using Jobcentres as a resource for finding new employees. DWP should re-focus on getting people into sustainable and suitable employment that enables them to stay in work long-term. ...

The Way to Work campaign focused on moving people into work as quickly as possible, without considering whether this work was suitable or sustainable in the long-term. This approach may reduce unemployment in the short-term, but the long-term positive impacts …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

DWP’s employment support services do not currently offer much support beyond the point of securing employment. People who have multiple or complex barriers to employment or who have been unemployed for a long time are often seen as Plan for Jobs and employment support 85 undesirable employees. People can also fall out of work if they are not supported during the transition into work. DWP should offer continued support beyond employment to claimants at greater risk of falling back into unemplo...

DWP’s employment support services do not currently offer much support beyond the point of securing employment. People who have multiple or complex barriers to employment or who have been unemployed for a long time are often seen as Plan for …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The current centralised delivery model for employment support does not make the most of local knowledge or expertise and promotes a one-size-fits-all approach to support design. A more devolved approach to support design and delivery would allow support to be better tailored to the individual and could be designed to take advantage of local opportunities and existing networks, and meet regional vacancy needs. DWP should, as standard, devolve all future employment support programmes to groups ...

The current centralised delivery model for employment support does not make the most of local knowledge or expertise and promotes a one-size-fits-all approach to support design. A more devolved approach to support design and delivery would allow support to be …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

DWP should establish a system of devolved support that sits within a National Framework where DWP maintains oversight of programmes to ensure that delivery is of a high and consistent standard, that value is delivered to the taxpayer and that consistent performance data is published for each area. DWP must make sure that lessons learned are shared by regions that are already operating under a more devolved model as devolution is broadened and accelerated.

DWP should establish a system of devolved support that sits within a National Framework where DWP maintains oversight of programmes to ensure that delivery is of a high and consistent standard, that value is delivered to the taxpayer and that …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The two-fold responsibilities of DWP to both provide employment support and administer benefits can deter people from seeking support and damage the trust that claimants have in support services. A more devolved model of support should be used to engender greater separation of employment support and benefit administration. (Paragraph 229) 86 Plan for Jobs and employment support

The two-fold responsibilities of DWP to both provide employment support and administer benefits can deter people from seeking support and damage the trust that claimants have in support services. A more devolved model of support should be used to engender …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We welcome the recent publication of Restart statistics but there is more work to be done to if the Department is to provide transparent accountability across the range of DWP employment services. DWP lacks transparency around programme performance, making proper evaluation of schemes unfeasible. This makes it difficult to hold the Department to account or make detailed recommendations around its programmes. DWP should release results for each of its employment programmes on a quarterly basis...

We welcome the recent publication of Restart statistics but there is more work to be done to if the Department is to provide transparent accountability across the range of DWP employment services. DWP lacks transparency around programme performance, making proper …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The Government’s Plan for Jobs and DWP’s response to the pandemic introduced a number of measures to support the recovery of the labour market and help people return to work. Although these initiatives have shown some success at helping people re-enter the labour market, they have not been able to reverse the significant increase in economic inactivity, particularly among young people, older people and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. In this Report we have looked at h...

The Government’s Plan for Jobs and DWP’s response to the pandemic introduced a number of measures to support the recovery of the labour market and help people return to work. Although these initiatives have shown some success at helping people …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 May 2023 | Committee report linked

The Department acknowledged the fall in clinical psychiatrists and mental health practitioners and agreed that services needed access to the full set of professionals.54 The Department noted that it had already committed to securing an additional 800 mental health and clinical professionals in the drug strategy.55 It assured us it was working with Health Education England on a workforce strategy to set out training requirements and focus on attracting professionals back into these roles. The ...

The Department acknowledged the fall in clinical psychiatrists and mental health practitioners and agreed that services needed access to the full set of professionals.54 The Department noted that it had already committed to securing an additional 800 mental health and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
21 Apr 2023 | Committee report linked

We observe that jobcentres are not currently mandated or resourced to provide the most appropriate employment help and support services to many workers, not least to the over-50s seeking to return to the workforce.

We observe that jobcentres are not currently mandated or resourced to provide the most appropriate employment help and support services to many workers, not least to the over-50s seeking to return to the workforce. Type: conclusion | Number: 34 | …

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21 Apr 2023 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Government conducts a review into the future reform of jobcentres and to assess whether a public employment service offers better solutions in alternative settings (as well as online) that will improve the accessibility and quality of employment advice for people over 50.

We recommend that the Government conducts a review into the future reform of jobcentres and to assess whether a public employment service offers better solutions in alternative settings (as well as online) that will improve the accessibility and quality of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

The Department has ended up paying more per Restart participant than for previous similar schemes, because it had to pay providers to rapidly build up capacity from a standing start and then did not need all that capacity. From 2010–11, when it was responding to the last economic crash, to 2020–21, the Department reduced expenditure on employment support from £2.9 billion a year to £300 million a year. So, when it announced details about Restart in November 2021, designed as a £2.9 billion sc...

The Department has ended up paying more per Restart participant than for previous similar schemes, because it had to pay providers to rapidly build up capacity from a standing start and then did not need all that capacity. From 2010–11, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

The Department did not know enough about its claimants to understand what support they needed and how many eligible claimants would go on to participate in Restart. The Department’s work coaches know a lot about their claimants, but much of this information is recorded as freeform text on a person’s benefit claim. This makes it difficult for the Department to collate and consider this information when it designs employment support. As an example, the Department said it had recently learned fr...

The Department did not know enough about its claimants to understand what support they needed and how many eligible claimants would go on to participate in Restart. The Department’s work coaches know a lot about their claimants, but much of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

The Department does not understand how well each of the individual 77 providers are delivering Restart compared to their peers. The Restart scheme is delivered by a complex network of prime contractors and their subcontractors across 12 different contract areas in England and Wales, with the aim to help participants into work against the backdrop of the labour market in their area. Half of the prime contractors, while being responsible for their own contract area, are also subcontractors in a...

The Department does not understand how well each of the individual 77 providers are delivering Restart compared to their peers. The Restart scheme is delivered by a complex network of prime contractors and their subcontractors across 12 different contract areas …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

Work coaches use their knowledge of claimants to decide what support a claimant might benefit from and whether to refer people onto particular schemes. However, the Department is not able to use this information when planning the scale of support it needs to provide because it is not always recorded on the system, and when it is recorded this is as free-text notes on a person’s benefit claim rather than something that can be easily aggregated and used to predict demand.13 Work coaches would k...

Work coaches use their knowledge of claimants to decide what support a claimant might benefit from and whether to refer people onto particular schemes. However, the Department is not able to use this information when planning the scale of support …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

From 2010–11, when it was responding to the last economic crash, to 2020–21, the Department reduced its expenditure on employment support from £2.9 bn to £300 million per year.35 The Department told us that when it was designing Restart, it believed that “well over 2 million” people would be eligible and suitable for the scheme but that the maximum capacity the employment support market could build in the time available was 1.4 million people, and so it signed contracts with providers for tha...

From 2010–11, when it was responding to the last economic crash, to 2020–21, the Department reduced its expenditure on employment support from £2.9 bn to £300 million per year.35 The Department told us that when it was designing Restart, it …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

However, the Department’s routinely collected management information only shows the performance in each of the 12 contract package areas, rather than detailing the performance of individual providers. Its management information shows how many people are moving into work in contract areas and how regularly the customer service standards, which aim to stop providers focusing on participants who are easiest to help, are met.50 While a greater proportion of Restart participants are moving into wo...

However, the Department’s routinely collected management information only shows the performance in each of the 12 contract package areas, rather than detailing the performance of individual providers. Its management information shows how many people are moving into work in contract …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

Several of the Restart subcontractors work in multiple contract areas, and half of the prime contractors also work as subcontractors in areas where they are not the prime. This has helped to facilitate the sharing of best practice, but it reduces competition between contract areas.53 45 C&AG’s Report, para 22 46 C&AG’s Report, para 23 47 Q 17 48 Q 26; C&AG’s Report, figure 8 49 C&AG’s Report, paras 4, 1.11 50 Qq 30–33; C&AG’s Report, para 3.5 51 Qq 65–66, 30–33; C&AG’s Report, para 12, 20 52 ...

Several of the Restart subcontractors work in multiple contract areas, and half of the prime contractors also work as subcontractors in areas where they are not the prime. This has helped to facilitate the sharing of best practice, but it …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Mar 2023 | Written evidence linked

So far more Restart participants have moved into sustained jobs than the Department had expected, but this is in the context of historically low unemployment and high vacancies. The Department will not know the impact of Restart in increasing the number of people moving into sustained work until it has completed its evaluation, due in 2025, but told us that it “is reasonably confident” it would have the expected impact because the Department had been “cautious” in its assumptions.33 The Centr...

So far more Restart participants have moved into sustained jobs than the Department had expected, but this is in the context of historically low unemployment and high vacancies. The Department will not know the impact of Restart in increasing the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2022

8 events
9 Nov 2022 | Committee report linked

We questioned the Department on the challenges it may face in implementing its strategy. The Department told us that it will achieve the planned increase in frontline counter-fraud staff to 9,500 full-time equivalents by July 2022. It explained that its plan to review over two million Universal Credit cases will require a further 2,000 staff, which it was “building up gradually” and it expected to take until April 2024 to be fully resourced.27 We asked the Department what steps it was taking ...

We questioned the Department on the challenges it may face in implementing its strategy. The Department told us that it will achieve the planned increase in frontline counter-fraud staff to 9,500 full-time equivalents by July 2022. It explained that its …

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25 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

Without full and frank transparency on projected workforce gaps, the public and NHS staff can have little confidence that the Government has grasped the depth of the workforce crisis, and little confidence in Framework 15 or the NHS workforce strategy. The Government must authorise arm’s length bodies to publish data on workforce gaps to restore public confidence, to increase transparency, and to facilitate parliamentary scrutiny of the Government’s plans. It must publish the full report of t...

Without full and frank transparency on projected workforce gaps, the public and NHS staff can have little confidence that the Government has grasped the depth of the workforce crisis, and little confidence in Framework 15 or the NHS workforce strategy. …

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17 Mar 2022 | Committee report linked

The DWP and Welsh Government should work together to improve the signposting of benefits, grants, and allowances by producing a toolkit for Work Coaches. It should cover all devolved and local authority support. The DWP should report back to us in six months with an update on progress.

The DWP and Welsh Government should work together to improve the signposting of benefits, grants, and allowances by producing a toolkit for Work Coaches. It should cover all devolved and local authority support. The DWP should report back to us …

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17 Mar 2022 | Committee report linked

We note that the In-Work Commissioner’s report on Supporting People out of Low Pay found that most Jobcentre Plus support is tailored to help people get into work: there is less support and training available for those who are already there. We support its recommendation that Jobcentres should provide a credible in-work offer for all working benefit claimants and with local groups such as employers and skills providers. As skills and lifelong learning are devolved responsibilities, for this t...

We note that the In-Work Commissioner’s report on Supporting People out of Low Pay found that most Jobcentre Plus support is tailored to help people get into work: there is less support and training available for those who are already …

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17 Mar 2022 | Committee report linked

It is important to make the distinction between devolving the administration of certain welfare benefits and the wholescale devolution of welfare and we recommend that, as a first step, the UK-Welsh Government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on Social Security should undertake an assessment of the potential merits of devolving the administration of the same benefits to Wales as have been devolved to Scotland.

It is important to make the distinction between devolving the administration of certain welfare benefits and the wholescale devolution of welfare and we recommend that, as a first step, the UK-Welsh Government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on Social Security should undertake …

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17 Mar 2022 | Committee report linked

In the event of the Welsh Government submitting formal proposals to the UK Government, the DWP should provide us with an update in 12 months regarding the nature and progress of its discussions with the Welsh Government. (Paragraph 162) The Benefits System in Wales 47

In the event of the Welsh Government submitting formal proposals to the UK Government, the DWP should provide us with an update in 12 months regarding the nature and progress of its discussions with the Welsh Government. (Paragraph 162) The …

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25 Feb 2022 | Committee report linked

It is not clear how the Department uses Kickstart in tandem with its other employment support to best sustain young people in work. The Department aims to provide tailored help based on work coach’s understanding of the claimants they work with. However, it is not clear that there is a managed “pathway” or sequence of interventions for each young person, such as somebody who needs to build confidence before they are ready to apply for an open market or Kickstart job, or what engagement there ...

It is not clear how the Department uses Kickstart in tandem with its other employment support to best sustain young people in work. The Department aims to provide tailored help based on work coach’s understanding of the claimants they work …

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2021

29 events
25 Oct 2021 | Committee report linked

Departments need to understand the delivery costs for their green jobs responsibilities to ensure their spending plans include sufficient allocation for this. Any analysis of environmental skills needs in local government needs to be accompanied by an assessment of the funding requirements for the green jobs and skills that are needed within local authorities to deliver local government’s responsibilities towards the Government’s climate and nature objectives.

Departments need to understand the delivery costs for their green jobs responsibilities to ensure their spending plans include sufficient allocation for this. Any analysis of environmental skills needs in local government needs to be accompanied by an assessment of the …

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25 Oct 2021 | Committee report linked

We recommend that by the end of 2021, the Skills and Productivity Board, or similar body, is tasked with ongoing monitoring of skills needs, with regular periodic reviews, to ensure forward-looking and responsive skills planning which encompasses the needs of the economy in reaching the Government’s net zero and long-term environmental ambitions. (Paragraph 132) Diversity, inclusion and access to green jobs

We recommend that by the end of 2021, the Skills and Productivity Board, or similar body, is tasked with ongoing monitoring of skills needs, with regular periodic reviews, to ensure forward-looking and responsive skills planning which encompasses the needs of …

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25 Oct 2021 | Committee report linked

By the end of 2021, the Government should set out how it will adapt its Careers Strategy to align with its net zero and environmental goals, including how it will reach different groups of the population to increase awareness of green job opportunities and how to access them, such as through its careers and youth hubs and Jobcentre Plus. (Paragraph 155) Green Jobs 67

By the end of 2021, the Government should set out how it will adapt its Careers Strategy to align with its net zero and environmental goals, including how it will reach different groups of the population to increase awareness of …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department’s focus on getting people into any form of employment risks neglecting its wider ambitions around supporting disabled people to work and supporting people on low pay to progress. The Department’s current focus is on minimising the impact of the downturn on unemployment, particularly on young people and the long-term unemployed, to reduce the ‘scarring’ effect of unemployment. Over the longer term, the Department has said it wants to address issues such as social and economic in...

The Department’s focus on getting people into any form of employment risks neglecting its wider ambitions around supporting disabled people to work and supporting people on low pay to progress. The Department’s current focus is on minimising the impact of …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department does not make the most of local authorities’ and employers’ in depth knowledge of local needs and priorities. Experts such as local authorities and employers have in-depth knowledge of local needs and priorities that can make employment support programmes more effective. However, the Department is not using local expertise to the extent that it could, and risks a disconnect between its national view and local stakeholders’ priorities. Local authorities value their relationship ...

The Department does not make the most of local authorities’ and employers’ in depth knowledge of local needs and priorities. Experts such as local authorities and employers have in-depth knowledge of local needs and priorities that can make employment support …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The quality of claimants’ experience with the Department and whether they receive the right support will depend on the Department’s ability to integrate the additional 13,500 new work coaches into its organisation and manage their performance effectively. The Department’s employment support is mainly accessible to people on benefits via their jobcentre work coaches. Work coaches have considerable discretion to tailor their support to individual claimants, and they need a range of skills and a...

The quality of claimants’ experience with the Department and whether they receive the right support will depend on the Department’s ability to integrate the additional 13,500 new work coaches into its organisation and manage their performance effectively. The Department’s employment …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Work and Pensions (the Department) about the employment support it provides to people who need help.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Work and Pensions (the Department) about the employment support it provides to people who need help.1 Type: conclusion | Number: 1 …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

While the Department publishes selective statistics about some of its support schemes, such as information about the work and health programme, it does not produce regular data on its schemes to allow Parliamentarians or its partners to scrutinise performance in real time, who instead have to wait for formal evaluation results.40 The Department said that it would work with us and the National Audit Office to develop regular updates about the success of the new employment schemes it has introd...

While the Department publishes selective statistics about some of its support schemes, such as information about the work and health programme, it does not produce regular data on its schemes to allow Parliamentarians or its partners to scrutinise performance in …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department’s employment support is mainly accessible to people on benefits, and they will usually be referred to that support via their jobcentre work coaches. Work coaches have considerable discretion to tailor their support to claimants, including discretion around: the frequency and form of their meetings with claimants; the support to which they refer or signpost claimants; and the expectations that are set in the claimant’s commitments. To fulfil their role effectively, work coaches ...

The Department’s employment support is mainly accessible to people on benefits, and they will usually be referred to that support via their jobcentre work coaches. Work coaches have considerable discretion to tailor their support to claimants, including discretion around: the …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department told us that it recognises that the needs of local areas differ, and said that it “is about working closely” with the local authority, local employers and local enterprise partnerships and mayoral combined authorities. We heard that the Department’s approach is for there to be “a national set of schemes and a national set of interventions, and local delivery, which means that [the Department] can then tailor those schemes and draw them together in terms of how they work on the ...

The Department told us that it recognises that the needs of local areas differ, and said that it “is about working closely” with the local authority, local employers and local enterprise partnerships and mayoral combined authorities. We heard that the …

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8 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

We asked the Department whether it could be more proactive in sharing basic information such as its district provision tool—essentially a list of local provision—with partners, so they could see what people were being referred to, and to see if they could plug gaps or offer alternative provision.63 The Department told us that it would “find a way” to do this.64 The Local Government Association also told us that it would like local mapping of provision, so that there is a clear picture of how ...

We asked the Department whether it could be more proactive in sharing basic information such as its district provision tool—essentially a list of local provision—with partners, so they could see what people were being referred to, and to see if …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

We are not yet persuaded, however, that requiring employers to report data on the “disability pay gap” is the right way forward. We share the Minister’s concern that this data could risk giving a misleading impression of employers who have made genuine progress in recruiting more disabled people, but where those employees are in more junior positions. The disability pay gap, however, remains stark, and in its forthcoming National Strategy for Disabled People, the Government should set out amb...

We are not yet persuaded, however, that requiring employers to report data on the “disability pay gap” is the right way forward. We share the Minister’s concern that this data could risk giving a misleading impression of employers who have …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

DWP should reimagine fundamentally how it provides employment support to disabled people. We recommend that DWP should carry out a significant expansion of the number of Devolved Deal Areas, granting more powers to local authorities to set up their own localised version of the Work and Health Programme. Any devolution should be underpinned by a clear framework including benchmarks and minimum requirements that local authorities must use when commissioning support.

DWP should reimagine fundamentally how it provides employment support to disabled people. We recommend that DWP should carry out a significant expansion of the number of Devolved Deal Areas, granting more powers to local authorities to set up their own …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

The default position should be that groups of local authorities, perhaps based on the recently-defined NHS integrated care system boundaries, where they have the will and capacity to do so, are responsible for delivering employment support for disabled people. DWP should provide funding and support to enable them to do this. This approach will not work for everyone: some local authorities may not have the capacity to commission or deliver employment support services, so there will still be a ...

The default position should be that groups of local authorities, perhaps based on the recently-defined NHS integrated care system boundaries, where they have the will and capacity to do so, are responsible for delivering employment support for disabled people. DWP …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

Locally-commissioned employment support will require close working between local government and a variety of partners, including the NHS. Integrated care systems (ICSs) have an important role to play in strengthening these partnerships. The Government’s ambition is for every area in England to be covered by an ICS. ICSs already bring together providers and commissioners of NHS services with local authorities to plan and deliver health and care services. We recommend that the role of ICSs be e...

Locally-commissioned employment support will require close working between local government and a variety of partners, including the NHS. Integrated care systems (ICSs) have an important role to play in strengthening these partnerships. The Government’s ambition is for every area in …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

The evidence we heard in favour of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) as a model of employment support is overwhelmingly positive. We welcome the fact that the Department has invested in trials of IPS. We urge the Department to bring forward publication of its analysis of data from these trials and to adopt IPS as a model for its employment support offer. We welcome the work that the joint Work and Health Unit has done so far on expanding the use of IPS, and DWP should continue to work wi...

The evidence we heard in favour of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) as a model of employment support is overwhelmingly positive. We welcome the fact that the Department has invested in trials of IPS. We urge the Department to bring …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the fact that DWP already encourages providers of some of its disability support schemes to adopt job carving as part of their support to participants. The Department, however, should do more to support and encourage employers to adopt job carving practices when recruiting a person with a disability. As part of its National Strategy for Disabled People, DWP should provide detailed guidance to both providers and employers on how they can job carve roles for disabled people. It shoul...

We welcome the fact that DWP already encourages providers of some of its disability support schemes to adopt job carving as part of their support to participants. The Department, however, should do more to support and encourage employers to adopt …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

We heard evidence that the Disability Confident Commitments (the criteria an employer must agree to in order to receive Level 1 accreditation) are not challenging 76 Disability employment gap enough for employers and focus too heavily on changing recruitment processes rather than committing employers to recruit and retain disabled employees. We also heard that employers can be awarded Disability Confident accreditation without having to recruit a single disabled person. As part of its evaluat...

We heard evidence that the Disability Confident Commitments (the criteria an employer must agree to in order to receive Level 1 accreditation) are not challenging 76 Disability employment gap enough for employers and focus too heavily on changing recruitment processes …

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30 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

DWP must demonstrate that lessons have been learnt from previous schemes and ensure that the payment model used in Restart does not disincentivise providers from supporting those who are furthest away from the labour market, including some disabled people. Although Restart will not be a specialist disability programme, some disabled people will undoubtedly seek support from the scheme. An evaluation of Work Choice, carried out on behalf of DWP, highlighted the importance of paying providers s...

DWP must demonstrate that lessons have been learnt from previous schemes and ensure that the payment model used in Restart does not disincentivise providers from supporting those who are furthest away from the labour market, including some disabled people. Although …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass unemployment, it will lead to the loss of some jobs and the creation of entirely new ones. Some sectors will experience the impact of new technology more profoundly than others, and for some these changes have been accelerated by the pandemic. The retail sector, for example, has already seen the loss of many traditional “high street” roles, but the growth in e-commerce has led to the creation of new jobs.

While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass unemployment, it will lead to the loss of some jobs and the creation of entirely new ones. Some sectors will experience the impact of new …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

We heard evidence that DWP has not been proactive enough in planning for long- term changes to the world of work, and that it has largely reacted to change instead of planning ahead for a range of different scenarios or developing a long-term strategy. Working with other departments, DWP should develop a strategy for how it intends to respond to long-term changes in the labour market. This should set out how the Department will plan for different possible scenarios. The strategy should includ...

We heard evidence that DWP has not been proactive enough in planning for long- term changes to the world of work, and that it has largely reacted to change instead of planning ahead for a range of different scenarios or …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

New technology has the potential to enhance employees’ experience of work; for example, by allowing for greater use of remote working and replacing more mundane tasks. However, there is also a risk that technology could have an adverse impact on workers’ rights and wellbeing. The strategy we have recommended should also set out how the Government will safeguard employees’ rights and wellbeing and ensure that available jobs are of good quality.

New technology has the potential to enhance employees’ experience of work; for example, by allowing for greater use of remote working and replacing more mundane tasks. However, there is also a risk that technology could have an adverse impact on …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

Responsibility for responding to changes in the world of work does not sit with one department. DWP told us that it works with other government departments to help fill roles in sectors where there is growing demand: for example, with DHSC on filling vacancies in social care, or with BEIS on jobs in the green economy. We want the Department to be proactive in planning ahead. On top of this work, DWP should take a more strategic approach to engaging with other departments—for example DCMS, as ...

Responsibility for responding to changes in the world of work does not sit with one department. DWP told us that it works with other government departments to help fill roles in sectors where there is growing demand: for example, with …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to the labour market. However, take-up and knowledge of AT is still low. DWP should do more to improve knowledge and take-up of assistive technology amongst employers. Our predecessor Committee recommended that the Government should bring together a consortium of AT developers and entrepreneurs to achieve this. The Government did not act on this recommendation at the time, so we reiterat...

New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to the labour market. However, take-up and knowledge of AT is still low. DWP should do more to improve knowledge and take-up of assistive technology amongst …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

We recommend that, as part of its commitment to levelling up, the Government should establish a new publicly funded advisory body of experts with a focus on the potential impact of changes in the world of work on different groups in the labour market. The Government should use the now-closed UK Commission for Employment and Skills as a model for what it could look like: that is, a publicly funded but independent body whose membership could consist of employers, trade unions, training provider...

We recommend that, as part of its commitment to levelling up, the Government should establish a new publicly funded advisory body of experts with a focus on the potential impact of changes in the world of work on different groups …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with partners—including local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers and education and training providers—to ensure that its skills offer is aligned with the needs of the local labour market.

DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with partners—including local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers and education and training providers—to ensure that its skills offer is aligned with the needs of the local …

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29 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

It is essential that Work Coaches have a detailed understanding of the local labour market. Business engagement is a key route to understanding the changing jobs market and the nature of skills that employers are looking for. We heard evidence, however, that Work Coaches often do not have the capacity for business engagement on top of their other duties, and that it is not considered a priority. The Minister acknowledged this issue and said that she is keen to address it. DWP should ensure th...

It is essential that Work Coaches have a detailed understanding of the local labour market. Business engagement is a key route to understanding the changing jobs market and the nature of skills that employers are looking for. We heard evidence, …

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29 Jun 2021 | Written evidence linked

In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer. In response to this report, it should set out its plans in detail. In particular, it should explain how its offer will focus on the skills for which there is increased demand, particularly digital and AI skills. It should ensure that its offer is not just aimed at people who are in the early stages of their career, but at older workers who may also want or need to retrain.

In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer. In response to this report, it should set out its plans in detail. In particular, it should explain how its offer will focus on the skills for …

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2020

4 events
11 Dec 2020 | Committee report linked

Departmental data is not good enough to support functions’ development of comprehensive workforce plans. The Cabinet Office acknowledges it does not have the data it needs across all functions to accurately assess what skills the civil service has and where these should be deployed to maximise impact. Departments each have their own systems for collecting data on their staff, and as a result departmental workforce data quality and content vary. Some functions have undertaken their own data co...

Departmental data is not good enough to support functions’ development of comprehensive workforce plans. The Cabinet Office acknowledges it does not have the data it needs across all functions to accurately assess what skills the civil service has and where …

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11 Dec 2020 | Committee report linked

Ideally, all functions would have access to workforce statistics from a consistent civil service-wide data set. However, functions are still largely reliant on departmental data on staffing, which is variable in quality and is not always detailed enough for functions to use.22 The Cabinet Office told us that while it has more workforce data than ever before, it still has a way to go until the data available is granular enough to identify individual skills and shortages. It is keen to make sur...

Ideally, all functions would have access to workforce statistics from a consistent civil service-wide data set. However, functions are still largely reliant on departmental data on staffing, which is variable in quality and is not always detailed enough for functions …

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11 Dec 2020 | Committee report linked

The Cabinet Office told us that the challenge of EU exit and EU transition, alongside the concurrent risk of the covid-19 pandemic, has sharpened its thinking about skills and has improved the effectiveness of strategic workforce planning across the civil service. The current situation has forced the Cabinet Office to introduce new ways of working, such as cross-civil service campaigns and hubs to move people between departments, and to explore more innovative ways of managing staffing needs....

The Cabinet Office told us that the challenge of EU exit and EU transition, alongside the concurrent risk of the covid-19 pandemic, has sharpened its thinking about skills and has improved the effectiveness of strategic workforce planning across the civil …

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19 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

We welcome the announcement of funding for the recruitment of over 13,500 new Work Coaches—double the current number—over the next financial year. This is an ambitious programme of recruitment. The Committee would welcome a written update from the Department, by the end of the calendar year, on how the recruitment is progressing. This should include, but not be limited to: how many of the new Work Coaches are in post; the Department’s progress in acquiring new estate to accommodate the new st...

We welcome the announcement of funding for the recruitment of over 13,500 new Work Coaches—double the current number—over the next financial year. This is an ambitious programme of recruitment. The Committee would welcome a written update from the Department, by …

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