Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a modular skills passport framework on career progression in the hospitality sector.

The Government recognises the potential benefits of sector-led initiatives such as the Hospitality Skills Passport. As part of Destination Hospitality, last year DWP worked with UKHospitality to deliver a Sector-based Work Academy Programme that combined pre-employment training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview with an industry-recognised Skills Passport which certifies that participants have developed skills valued by hospitality employers.

By helping individuals demonstrate their skills to prospective employers and supporting access to employment opportunities across the sector, the Passport has supported progression for DWP customers into hospitality careers. The Department is working with UKHospitality and Mayoral Strategic Authorities to expand access to the Hospitality Skills Passport through approved colleges and training providers.