Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 53
The default position should be that groups of local authorities, perhaps based on the recently-defined...
Recommendation
The default position should be that groups of local authorities, perhaps based on the recently-defined NHS integrated care system boundaries, where they have the will and capacity to do so, are responsible for delivering employment support for disabled people. DWP should provide funding and support to enable them to do this. This approach will not work for everyone: some local authorities may not have the capacity to commission or deliver employment support services, so there will still be a role for national programmes such as the Work and Health Programme. For some areas, however, such as areas with a Metro Mayor, this approach could work well, as we have already seen with London and Manchester. Where they want to and can, local authorities should have the power to commission their own employment support programmes. They should work closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (or devolved administrations as appropriate), the NHS, the third sector, and education and training providers to achieve this.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government response details DWP's policies and improvements regarding communication accessibility for disabled claimants, such as Video Relay Service and accessible forms, but does not address the recommendation to devolve employment support for disabled people to local authorities.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
53
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
Partnership Managers in Jobcentres are responsible for building links with local welfare- to-work service providers, including further education colleges and independent training providers. This ensures that appropriate support is in place for claimants who require support to find employment or better-paid work. Disability employment gap: Government response 9 DWP works with the Department for Education (DfE) to ensure that fully funded training is available for claimants, and with adult education sector providers on both a local and national level to shape the type of courses available. Work Coaches can see what is available locally using DWP’s District Provision Tool, which is kept up to date by Partnership Managers. DWP recently flexed benefit rules to allow claimants to attend the new DfE Skills Bootcamps, which offer vocational and technical training linked to jobs. DWP’s Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview) are delivered by Jobcentres in partnership with employers and local training providers.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗