Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Deferred
Provide detailed plans for 'Jobcentre in your pocket' outlining public expectations and journal interaction.
Recommendation
In its response to this report, DWP should provide more details about its plans for a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’. DWP should set out what the public can expect from a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’, how it will interact with the current Universal Credit journal and how it will ensure it delivers a successful digital product that meets claimants’ needs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 77)
Government Response Summary
The government's response outlined its collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade to embed employment support within sector plans and referenced broader initiatives like Economic Inactivity Trailblazers and the new Youth Guarantee, but it did not provide any details about the 'Jobcentre in your pocket' digital service.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
DWP is actively working with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and departments leading Industrial Strategy Sectors to ensure our employment support offer is embedded within sector plans. This includes collaborating with DBT on the development of the Industrial Strategy and using insights from DBT’s Plan for Small and Medium Businesses to inform our engagement with SME employers. We will explore further ways we can coordinate our work with DBT and recognise the importance of a joined- up approach to promoting good work, inclusive recruitment practices and encouraging progression. More broadly, we’ve shared details of the steps we’re taking to improve support for individuals seeking work, including Get Britain Working – a refreshed approach to help more people get into jobs (Get Britain Working White Paper). Economic Inactivity Trailblazers mean we are testing innovative approaches to engage inactive groups. The new Youth Guarantee will ensure young people have access to tailored support, and Connect to Work, is a key way to strengthen links between employers and jobseekers. Discussions are taking place around how the two departments can work together better, including but not limited to data sharing, and approaching businesses together with one voice, to offer both DWP services and DBT information together in the same interaction. We recognise the opportunity to influence employers through our programmes but also understand the importance of leading by example. That means working collaboratively with other departments to ensure we are collectively developing inclusive, high-quality opportunities for our customers. We are committed to formalising these partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding where appropriate, to strengthen alignment and accountability across government. These initiatives reflect our commitment to helping people get into work, remain in work and support employers to meet their workforce needs. We are committed to doing more. DWP will continue to work closely with departments and industry to align our support with sector priorities and deliver better outcomes for individuals, employers, and the economy.