Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the IPPR report Measuring the benefits of integration: The value of tackling skills underutilisation published 18 June 2019, what assessment her Department has made of the number of migrants in the UK employed in positions for which they are overqualified.

The department has made no assessment of the number of migrants in the UK employed in positions for which they are overqualified.

We are working closely with the Department for Education, Mayoral Combined Authorities/Local Enterprise Partnerships, learning providers and employers to develop Local Industrial Strategies and implement Skills Advisory Panels within local areas which will help achieve a better balance between skills supply and labour market demand in local areas.

We are building evidence to develop an understanding of what works to support people on Universal Credit, who are working, to progress. One of the ways in which people can progress is to consider their skills and abilities. We wish to ensure that claimants make good decisions that are right for them, as well as understanding their barriers and support needs. Our programme of research and testing seeks to deliver this evidence to help us support people to reach their potential.