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 encourage employers to provide work experience opportunities for young people.

DWP works with employers across Great Britain to encourage the provision of high-quality work experience opportunities for young people. Through Jobcentre Plus, the Department helps employers offer voluntary work experience placements that enable young people to develop skills, confidence and valuable workplace experience.

As part of the Government's Youth Guarantee, DWP is engaging employers, industry bodies and other partners to expand opportunities for young people to access work experience, training and employment.

The Department's Recruitment and Partnership Consultants work directly with employers to develop suitable opportunities and connect young people with placements that reflect their aspirations and local labour market opportunities.

DWP also supports employers through initiatives such as Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, which combine training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview, helping young people gain the skills and experience needed to move into work.