Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Paragraph: 106
We welcome the steps that DWP has already taken to ensure that jobseekers can develop...
Recommendation
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.
Paragraph Reference:
106
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Skills Offer is jointly pursued across government. DfE in England and Devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales lead on funding and commissioning the training offer, and DWP plays a critical role in actively influencing that offer and creating access to training for DWP customers. DWP is expanding its skills offer to identify and act on skills needs matched to local employer demand. In addition, DWP engages actively with relevant organisations and structures (including directly with employers, DfE and the Skills Advisory Panels) to understand demand, shape the training offer and ensure DWP customers have access to training that relates to current and emerging job vacancies. The DWP Train and Progress initiative is a key means through which this alignment of demand and supply of skills can be achieved. The aim of DWP Train and Progress is to understand how to better meet demand in the labour market, addressing any gaps in skills and potential barriers to accessing non-contracted provision. There will be a particular focus on those claimants with low attainment in English, aths and digital skills, those in lower paid work and those with a need to retrain. This offer will be made to people of all ages, including older workers.