Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
Integrating careers advice into Jobcentres risks undermining its distinct professional role
Conclusion
Integrating careers advice into Jobcentres is an exciting opportunity: the culture of careers advice, with its focus on the individual and long-term outcomes, offers a blueprint to improve the culture of Jobcentres. However, there are risks that DWP will have to manage. Careers advice is a skilled profession, requiring qualities distinct from employment support. It must not become the poor relation of employment support or swallowed up by Jobcentres. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
Government Response Summary
The government states that responsibility for adult careers transferred from DfE to DWP on 16 September 2025, with a commitment to maintaining alignment with DfE's provision for young people. It plans for adult careers support to be primarily digital self-service, with other channels for those needing additional support, and will work with devolved governments to ensure consistency.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
a. On 16 September 2025, the Prime Minister issued a statement outlining the transfer of responsibility for adult careers from DfE to DWP. As a result, accountability for adult careers has transferred to DWP and joint arrangements between DfE and DWP regarding adult careers are no longer required, but we will maintain alignment with DfE’s provision for young people to ensure a seamless service. b. As the Committee notes, careers is devolved in Scotland and Wales, and we are committed to working closely with the devolved governments to ensure consistency across Great Britain. We will design, develop and test the service in partnership with the devolved governments, considering learning and best practice from those services. This will support us to develop a new service that is locally tailored and embedded, designed to meet the different needs of local labour markets, local people and local employers. c. Anyone who wants to look for work, increase their earnings or change their career will be able to access careers support in the new service. We recognise that people are individuals with different support needs, and we want everyone who wants it to be able to access tailored support. For the majority of those not claiming benefits and who are seeking employment support or careers advice, this will best be served digitally, through a self-service option. However, we recognise this will not be appropriate for everyone and other channels of support will be available. This approach will increase the reach of the new service, allowing for a more targeted approach, with additional in-depth support to be provided to those customers who face significant barriers to making progress into work or learning. Any future eligibility criteria will be centred around these principles. This includes supporting young people under 18 not receiving careers support in schools and colleges, as detailed in the Get Britain Working White Paper.