Recommendations & Conclusions
7 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass unemployment, it will lead to the loss of some jobs and the creation of entirely new ones. Some sectors will experience the impact of new technology more profoundly than others, and for some these changes …
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While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass unemployment, it will lead to the loss of some jobs and the creation of entirely new ones. Some sectors will experience the impact of new technology more profoundly than others, and for some these changes have been accelerated by the pandemic. The retail sector, for example, has already seen the loss of many traditional “high street” roles, but the growth in e-commerce has led to the creation of new jobs.
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Government response AI summary
The government describes ongoing inter-departmental work and DWP's role in providing employability and vocational skills training to support jobseekers into priority sectors. This demonstrates existing efforts to address the labour market impacts of technology mentioned in the committee's conclusion.
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Department for Work and Pensions
9
Recommendation
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to the labour market. However, take-up and knowledge of AT is still low. DWP should do more to improve knowledge and take-up of assistive technology amongst employers. Our predecessor Committee recommended that the Government should bring …
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New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to the labour market. However, take-up and knowledge of AT is still low. DWP should do more to improve knowledge and take-up of assistive technology amongst employers. Our predecessor Committee recommended that the Government should bring together a consortium of AT developers and entrepreneurs to achieve this. The Government did not act on this recommendation at the time, so we reiterate it now. The Government should also work with technology companies and 50 DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work employers to ensure that future jobs are accessible for disabled people.
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Government response AI summary
The government has accepted the recommendation, committing £1m in 2021-22 to develop a Centre for Assistive and Accessible Technology, which will involve procurement for needs assessment, piloting AT loan hubs, and developing an AT centre.
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Department for Work and Pensions
19
Recommendation
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
We welcome the steps that DWP has already taken to ensure that jobseekers can develop the skills they need in a changing jobs market. We were encouraged by the Minister’s comments that DWP is working with the Department for Education on its National Skills Fund and the delivery of digital …
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We welcome the steps that DWP has already taken to ensure that jobseekers can develop the skills they need in a changing jobs market. We were encouraged by the Minister’s comments that DWP is working with the Department for Education on its National Skills Fund and the delivery of digital boot camps. But the UK is still facing a significant digital skills shortage, and demand for new skills will only rise as the labour market changes. The Government must ensure that the workforce 52 DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work is equipped to respond to this challenge. DWP must continue to work closely with DfE to ensure that its skills programmes reflect the changing needs of employers and demands of the labour market.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the skills offer is a joint cross-government initiative, with DWP playing a critical role in influencing and creating access to training alongside DfE. It details that DWP is expanding its offer to match skills needs with local employer demand through active …
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Department for Work and Pensions
20
Recommendation
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer. In response to this report, it should set out its plans in detail. In particular, it should explain how its offer will focus on the skills for which there is increased demand, particularly digital and AI skills. …
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In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer. In response to this report, it should set out its plans in detail. In particular, it should explain how its offer will focus on the skills for which there is increased demand, particularly digital and AI skills. It should ensure that its offer is not just aimed at people who are in the early stages of their career, but at older workers who may also want or need to retrain.
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Government response AI summary
The government details that DWP is expanding its skills offer in collaboration with DfE and Devolved Administrations, actively influencing and creating access to training aligned with local employer demand. This includes the DWP Train and Progress initiative, focusing on digital skills and catering to people …
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Department for Work and Pensions
21
Recommendation
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with partners—including local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers and education and training providers—to ensure that its skills offer is aligned with the needs of the local labour market.
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DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with partners—including local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers and education and training providers—to ensure that its skills offer is aligned with the needs of the local labour market.
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Government response AI summary
The government states DWP already works closely with local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers, and other stakeholders through existing networks to understand local labour market needs and support training.
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Department for Work and Pensions
24
Recommendation
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to affect the way DWP delivers its services. As DWP moves more of its services online, it must ensure that people with low digital literacy, who may struggle to access its digital services, can continue to …
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As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to affect the way DWP delivers its services. As DWP moves more of its services online, it must ensure that people with low digital literacy, who may struggle to access its digital services, can continue to access face-to-face support and in-person services. It should ensure that services that help people access benefits, such as Help to Claim, have the resources they need, and that they receive additional funding if demand increases. DWP should develop a plan for how it will work more closely with third sector organisations that support claimants to ensure that they can continue to access DWP’s services.
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Government response AI summary
The government states Jobcentres have maintained and resumed full face-to-face services and offer Wi-Fi and computers for digital access. It also highlights the recruitment of 13,500 additional Work Coaches to support claimants.
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Department for Work and Pensions
25
Recommendation
First Report - DWP’s preparations for c…
Accepted
The evidence we have heard suggests that changes such as automation are unlikely to lead to mass unemployment. That does not mean that there will be no displacement at all, especially as job roles and requirements change, and it is vital that people who do find themselves out of work …
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The evidence we have heard suggests that changes such as automation are unlikely to lead to mass unemployment. That does not mean that there will be no displacement at all, especially as job roles and requirements change, and it is vital that people who do find themselves out of work have access to a robust safety net. Some people DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work 53 have argued that a Universal Basic Income could act not only as a safety net for the unemployed, but also provide people with underlying financial security should they decide to undertake training or start their own business. A Universal Basic Income would, however, be extremely expensive, and would not target support at people who need it most. Instead, it risks diverting resources away from the existing social security system and other vital public services. We are not convinced that it would be the right way forward for social security in the UK. Instead, we recommend that the Department should focus its efforts on ensuring that the value of benefit payments under the current system are sufficient to meet claimants’ basic needs. (Paragraph 140) 54 DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
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Government response AI summary
The government maintains that its welfare approach focuses on making work pay and supporting people into work, viewing it as the best way out of poverty. It states that Universal Credit is an efficient and effective way of providing support as it responds to claimants' …
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Department for Work and Pensions