Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help Jobcentre Plus, Work Programme and voluntary providers to tackle age discrimination.

Work Programme providers deliver personalised support, tailored to the individual needs of participants. Providers are bound through the terms of their contract to prevent unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity in respect of age.

Jobcentre Plus have the freedom to use a range of innovative measures to help older claimants overcome any barriers associated with age. Local schemes include IT support aimed specifically at older people; dedicated advisers for those aged over 50; and help to convert dated qualifications into certifications that are relevant for modern employers.