Select committee: Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 14
First Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
Published 29 Jun 2021
Paragraph 75
Addressed to Department for Work and Pensions
Work and Pensions Committee DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Recommendation (the committee's words)
The pandemic has accelerated the take up of new technology in the workplace, and it has led to a growth in remote working. It is likely that some of the changes to working patterns and practices will remain in place once the pandemic has ended. Remote working has both advantages and drawbacks, for employers and workers alike. The Government should monitor and publish an analysis of the impact that the pandemic is having on the take-up of new technology, working patterns and job quality. It should pay particular attention to the impact of the pandemic on disabled people’s employment.
From: Work and Pensions Committee, First Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work (HC 216), paragraph 75, 29 June 2021
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 12 November 2021 (deadline 29 August 2021).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government responds mainly by describing existing cross-departmental work, with BEIS, DfE and the ONS cited for several areas, and says it has no plans for Universal Credit claimant markers.
- On the recommended labour market strategy, DWP says it is "working with other departments, particularly DfE and BEIS", and that BEIS "is the department with responsibility for employment rights".
- On the Skills and Employment Survey, it says it is "solely a decision for the academics and ESRC" whether the survey runs again, rather than committing DWP funding.
- On assistive technology, the Disability Unit "will invest up to £1m in 2021 to 2022" in a new Centre for Assistive and Accessible Technology, with findings to the Unit "by March 2022" and progress reported by summer 2022.
- On paternity leave reform, it says BEIS is analysing survey data and 2019 consultation responses, and that this "will inform government policy on parental leave and pay going forward".