Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to help young disabled people into work in (a) Medway and (b) England.

The Government is committed to building a country that works for everyone and supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to reach their potential. That is why we made the ambitious commitment to see one million more disabled in work by 2027. In November 2017, we published ‘Improving Lives: The Future of Work, Health and Disability’, which sets out actions we’re taking across the three key settings: the welfare system, workplace and health services.

We are taking decisive action to support young disabled people into work. Programmes for young people with disabilities include:

• Young Person’s Supported Work Experience is being tested for young people aged 18-24 on Employment and Support Allowance and its equivalent in Universal Credit who have little or no work experience. Five Jobcentre Plus districts, are offering a short Supported Work Experience placement with an employer, helping them to gain confidence and encouraging them to look for work.
• Jobcentre Support for Schools is designed to raise aspirations and advise on routes to work for young people identified as being at risk of becoming not in education employment or training (NEET) or who are otherwise disadvantaged in the labour market, e.g. those with a health or disability issue. Work is focused on students in years 8 to 13.
• A Local Supported Employment Proof of Concept is being delivered with nine local authorities – including Kent County Council - to target those with a learning disability or autism who are known to adult social care, or those in contact with secondary mental health services. DWP is investing £2.7 million to test an approach which delivers Supported Employment on an outcome-payment basis.