Asked by: Michael Fallon (Conservative - Sevenoaks)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to reduce the time unemployed people spend out of work.
Answered by Damian Hinds
The number of unemployed is currently 1.42m, down 59,000 this quarter, down 182,000 on the year, down over 1.08 million since 2010.
Jobcentre Plus has a flexible support model to provide support and District Managers have discretion on how to target interventions. The model has three elements: a core regime of regular face-to-face meetings; flexible work coach support; and a flexible menu of support options.
Where Jobcentre Plus District Managers identify gaps in skills or other provision they have discretion to purchase extra support to meet particular needs using the Flexible Support Fund.
Jobcentre Plus work coaches can advise claimants on the localised provision and support available, either by employment sector or skills/employability.
Asked by: Michael Fallon (Conservative - Sevenoaks)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will work with the Secretary of State for Transport to create travel concessions helping school-leavers find their first job.
Answered by Damian Hinds
A scheme already exists for jobseekers of all ages to access help with their travel costs. This is called the Jobcentre Plus Travel Scheme.
Asked by: Michael Fallon (Conservative - Sevenoaks)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to help young people into work.
Answered by Damian Hinds
The number of young unemployed claimants is continuing to fall. The proportion of young people (aged 16-24) who are unemployed and not in full time education is at a record low of 4.8%. In April 2017 we introduced further intensive support for 18-21 year olds making a new claim to Universal Credit Full Service as it is rolled out. We also believe that early intervention is particularly important, which is why we have introduced Jobcentre Plus Support for Schools, which helps young people make a smooth and effective transition from school to work, training or further study. This support includes advice on the local labour market, ‘soft skills’ employers expect such as team-working and resilience, job search skills such as CV writing and interview techniques, and the promotion of vocational routes into employment.