Work and Pensions

Ann Davies Excerpts

Wednesday 25th March 2026 Written Corrections

The following extract is from the statement on Youth Unemployment on 17 March 2026.

[Ann Davies (Caerfyrddin) (PC)]

Measures to support about 17% of our young people in Wales who are not in education, employment or training to gain employment are welcome, although I prefer to use the term “LEET”—looking for education, employment or training—which I think is a much more positive way of viewing our young people. However, apprenticeships and skills are devolved in Wales, so will the Secretary of State tell me which aspects of his announcement apply to the young people of Wales and the other devolved nations?

[Pat McFadden]

I agree that “NEET” is not the best and most user-friendly term, but it has been used for some time. As for the hon. Lady’s question about what is devolved and what is UK-wide, the hiring bonus will apply throughout the UK, but the apprenticeship aspects are devolved to Wales.

[Pat McFadden]

I think that the statement offers hope to young people throughout the United Kingdom. I look forward to a positive and close working relationship between the UK and Welsh Governments on this issue, because I believe that both Governments share a desire for young people, in Clwyd North and everywhere else in the country, to have the best start in life. I think that, for example, the £3,000 hiring bonus and the jobs guarantee for the long-term youth unemployed, which are UK-wide initiatives, can help people in my hon. Friend’s constituency and offer hope that there is a solution to the scarring effect of leaving young people to fester in long-term unemployment, which is not good for them and not good for the country either.

[Official Report, 17 March 2026; Vol. 782, c. 801-802.]

Written corrections submitted by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton South East (Pat McFadden):

[Ann Davies (Caerfyrddin) (PC)]

Measures to support about 17% of our young people in Wales who are not in education, employment or training to gain employment are welcome, although I prefer to use the term “LEET”—looking for education, employment or training—which I think is a much more positive way of viewing our young people. However, apprenticeships and skills are devolved in Wales, so will the Secretary of State tell me which aspects of his announcement apply to the young people of Wales and the other devolved nations?

[Pat McFadden]

I agree that “NEET” is not the best and most user-friendly term, but it has been used for some time. As for the hon. Lady’s question about what is devolved and what is GB-wide, the hiring bonus will apply throughout the GB, but the apprenticeship aspects are devolved to Wales.