Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
The Department told us that its youth employability work coaches and youth hubs bring together...
Conclusion
The Department told us that its youth employability work coaches and youth hubs bring together provision and services together to create a ‘journey’ for individuals, by referring people to Kickstart jobs and other schemes from the Department, and signposting people to other support which is available in the area.85 Additionally, the Department spoke about Sector Based Work Academies, where it works with local further education colleges or training providers to offer training, work experience and a guaranteed interview. The Department also reiterated though, that developing a package of support relies on the discretion and judgment of individual work coaches, based on their understanding of claimants’ needs.86 The Co-op Group said that there should be personalised, holistic support for young people who have had 6 months or more out of education, employment or training, and for those most at risk of long-term unemployment. The Co-op Group also suggested that there should be a government-wide ‘Young Person’s Strategy’ focused on education, training and employment, influenced by young people and that there should be continued engagement with employers to help deliver a “joined-up approach to the various initiatives such as Kickstart and others that form the Plan for Jobs”.87 84 Qq29–30. 85 Qq29, 32, 35. 86 Q35. 87 Co-op. 18 DWP Employment Support: Kickstart Scheme
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 Work coach discretion is fundamental to the department’s approach to supporting people into employment. Using a tailored approach, work coaches are empowered to identify the right support for the customer. Young people aged 16-24, receiving Universal Credit and in the intensive work search regime can access the department’s Youth Offer. This offers wrap- around support through the 13-week Youth Employment Programme, complemented by joined-up local delivery through the department’s Youth Hubs and specialist Youth Employability Coaches. 6.3 Work coaches offer support throughout the Kickstart job, including through voluntary month one and four interventions. At the four-month stage, support is focused on whether the young person will remain with the Kickstart employer, or whether they will be looking for other work. Advice focuses on the most suitable options for the young person following Kickstart job completion, including apprenticeships. 6.4 Through the Way to Work campaign, the department has built on the experience of Kickstart and the many new relationships developed with employers. Many of these employers may have never considered recruiting from Jobcentres before the delivery of the Kickstart Scheme and some are now retaining former Kickstart participants as apprentices or in other full-time roles. The department actively works with employers, both nationally and locally, to understand their recruitment and skills needs across sectors to better tailor support and promote employment schemes and apprenticeships. 6.5 Comprehensive guidance for DWP colleagues assists them in supporting those young people who return to claiming Universal Credit following a Kickstart job. The guidance covers an extensive range of resources available to young people with the aim of moving them into work, building on the experience from their Kickstart job.