Select committee: Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 22
First Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
Published 29 Jun 2021
Paragraph 115
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)
It is essential that Work Coaches have a detailed understanding of the local labour market. Business engagement is a key route to understanding the changing jobs market and the nature of skills that employers are looking for. We heard evidence, however, that Work Coaches often do not have the capacity for business engagement on top of their other duties, and that it is not considered a priority. The Minister acknowledged this issue and said that she is keen to address it. DWP should ensure that new Work Coaches receive specific training on business engagement. All Work Coaches should be encouraged to and given time to undertake business engagement alongside their other duties. This should be incorporated into Work Coaches’ performance objectives and considered during performance reviews.
From: Work and Pensions Committee, First Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work (HC 216), paragraph 115, 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".