Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has held with the Minister for Women and Equalities, on safeguarding measures in place for the protection of NEET young people engaged in government sponsored hospitality work placements from i) sexual harassment, ii) racism and iii) bullying in the workplace.

The Department is committed to ensuring that young people participating in government-supported work experience opportunities are able to do so in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

As part of the Youth Guarantee, the Government is expanding work experience opportunities and creating up to 150,000 additional work experience placements across Great Britain by 2029, with priority referrals for young people. In addition, hospitality businesses have committed to providing over 100,000 job opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training, alongside work experience opportunities through DWP's hospitality work experience programme.

Work experience placements operate within DWP's established work experience framework. Employers are responsible for providing an appropriate workplace environment and for meeting relevant health, safety, welfare and equality obligations. Participants undertaking work experience placements are covered by the same workplace protections as other workers, including protections against harassment, discrimination and bullying.

The Department undertakes due diligence when establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers. This includes requiring employers to sign an employer agreement confirming compliance with relevant workplace safety and safeguarding legislation and maintaining ongoing engagement through Jobcentre Plus employer and partnership teams. Where concerns are raised, placements can be reviewed and appropriate action taken.

Participants remain supported by Jobcentre Plus throughout their placement and are encouraged to raise concerns directly with the employer in the first instance. They may also raise concerns with their work coach, who can escalate issues through the appropriate channels where necessary.

The detailed operational arrangements for the new hospitality work experience programme are being developed with UKHospitality. Work to agree and implement these arrangements is ongoing.