Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assistance his Department provides to Jobcentre Plus managers to help (a) locate and (b) employ specialist support providers in their local areas.

In every Jobcentre district there are Local Employer and Partnerships Teams dedicated to identifying skills needs, building and sharing labour market intelligence and advising on local recruitment opportunities.

Jobcentre staff are made aware of the specialist help available within their area, including information on services and support and referral arrangements, via the District Provision Tool. This digital tool lists available provision and support, in a district and nationally, delivered by Jobcentre Plus, Skills Funding Agency, Skills Development Scotland, Careers Wales, other providers, local authorities, independent and volunteer organisations.