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 support unemployed people over the age of 50 years old.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We offer support for those out of work through our network of Jobcentres and contracted employment programmes. However, we recognise the employment challenges faced by some older people and that is why we offer additional support for older jobseekers.

For eligible new over 50s jobseekers on Universal Credit, we offer Additional Work Coach Time (AWCT) which provides more intensive, tailored support during the first nine months of their claim. This is in addition to the skills provision and job search support that work coaches currently offer to Jobcentre customers.

Work coaches and employers are supported by a network of 50PLUS Champions working across all 37 Jobcentre Districts. Champions provide a critical layer of support through Jobcentres to ensure the needs of older people are met. Activity includes facilitating engagement with local employers, promoting age inclusive policies, and supporting work coaches to deliver activity locally.

Further support is available to eligible over 50s on Universal Credit through Midlife MOTs. These are delivered in Jobcentres and provide an opportunity to review health, finances and skills, and signpost to suitable support. There is also a digital Midlife MOT which is available to everyone.

We know that work helps everyone, including older people, play active and fulfilling roles in society while building financial security for retirement. That’s why the Government is committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of those who require it.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the Minister for Women and Equalities office on supporting women over the age of 50 years old back into employment.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

There have been no direct discussions with the Minister for Women and Equalities’ office on this specific issue. The Government recognises the valuable contribution that women over the age of 50 make to the economy and society. Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society while building financial security for retirement.

We offer support for those out of work through our network of Jobcentres and contracted employment programmes. However, we recognise the employment challenges faced by some older women and that is why we offer additional support for older jobseekers.

For eligible new over 50s jobseekers on Universal Credit, we offer Additional Work Coach Time (AWCT) which provides more intensive, tailored support during the first nine months of their claim. This is in addition to the skills provision and job search support that work coaches currently offer to Jobcentre customers.

Work coaches and employers are supported by a network of 50PLUS Champions working across all 37 Jobcentre Districts. Champions provide a critical layer of support through Jobcentres, to ensure the needs of older people are met. Activity includes facilitating engagement with local employers, promoting age inclusive policies, and supporting work coaches to deliver activity locally.

Further support is available to eligible over 50s on Universal Credit, through Midlife MOTs, delivered in Jobcentres which provide an opportunity to review health, finances and skills and signpost to suitable support. There is also a digital Midlife MOT which is offer available for everyone.

We know that work helps everyone, including older people, play active and fulfilling roles in society while building financial security for retirement. That’s why the Government is committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of those who require it, including unemployed or economically inactive women over the age of 50.

DWP officials also work closely with the Office for Equality and Opportunity on the policy proposals in the Employment Rights Bill which will require large employers with more than 250 employees to produce Menopause Action Plans on how they will support employees through the menopause. The Government has published guidance on menopause, including for small employers on measures to consider relating to uniform and temperature, flexible working and recording menopause related leave and absence.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of existing powers to tackle ageism in (a) recruitment and (b) the workplace.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The UK has a strong history of protecting against direct and indirect discrimination. The Equality Act 2010 has protections that enable people to challenge age discrimination across a range of fields, including the provision of services, employment and recruitment processes. Where age discrimination cannot be objectively justified and is unlawful, individuals can seek redress in the courts or, where relevant, at an employment tribunal.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what dates South Western Railway plans to retire its fleet of Class 455 electric multiple units; and what plans it has to maintain current levels of passenger capacity on their retirement.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Southwestern Railway is planning to retire the Class 455 fleet by the end of December 2025. The Arterio fleet introduction programme will fully occupy all of the previously formed Class 455 diagrams.

Since May the number of new trains in service has quadrupled. The Arterio trains will provide 50 per cent increased capacity compared to the current 455 fleet in service. They will also provide accessible toilets, air conditioning, charging points at every seat, real-time information screens, onboard wi-fi and walk through carriages.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of a cap on the Cycle to Work scheme on a) employees’ ability to access e-bikes and e-cargo bikes and b) disabled employees’ ability to access specially-adapted cycles.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. The Chancellor will announce any changes to the tax system at fiscal events in the usual way.

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Jacob Collier

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Jacob Collier

Found: Layla Moran MP, Health and Social Care Committee Debbie Abrahams MP, Work and Pensions Committee Ruth Cadbury

Found: 4DR Tel: 0300 330 3000 E-Mail: heidi.alexander@dft.gov.uk Web site: www.gov.uk/dft Ruth Cadbury

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Mrs Elsie

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Mrs Elsie

Found: Current membership Ruth Cadbury (Labour; Brentford and Isleworth) (Chair) Steff Aquarone (Liberal Democrat

Found: Ruth Cadbury MP Chair, Transport Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA 10 November

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Mrs Elsie

Found: 4DR Tel: 0300 330 3000 E-Mail: heidi.alexander@dft.gov.uk Web site: www.gov.uk/dft Ruth Cadbury