Asked by: Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the economic contribution of economically active people over the state pension age in the UK.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
No recent assessment of the economic impact is available. However, employment rate by individual age from age 50 to 75 is published in the ‘economic labour market status of individuals aged 50 and over, trends over time: 2024’ statistical report: Economic labour market status of individuals aged 50 and over, trends over time: September 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Table 19 shows the employment rate in 2024 for those aged 66, for example, was 30.1%, an increase of 5.3 percentage points since 2019.
Asked by: Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will include in their forthcoming "Get Britain Working" White Paper plans to (1) support older people to be economically active; (2) support older people to volunteer; and (3) address existing barriers for older people in the workplace, including ageism and health-related barriers.
Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The white paper will set out reforms to employment support to help tackle the elevated level of economic inactivity, support people into good work, and create an inclusive labour market in which everybody can participate and progress in work. These reforms are driven by a long-term ambition to reach an 80% employment rate and to reduce the UK’s inactivity rate back to pre-pandemic levels.
We are transforming how we support people into work, help those on low pay increase their earnings and create a workforce fit for the future. Through bringing together Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service in England, we will have a greater focus on skills and careers, improving links between employability and career provision to support our number one mission of growing the economy whilst breaking down barriers to opportunity.
DWP already offers employment support for eligible over 50s in its Jobcentres, including a tailored service with a Midlife MOT to support people to assess their health, wealth and skills. DWP also works with employers and other stakeholders to promote the benefits of a multi-generational workforce and to adopt practices that support older workers.
Asked by: Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Afghan refugees aged 16 to 24 who have arrived since January will be eligible for the Kickstart Scheme.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
All refugees brought to the UK through the Afghanistan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) have the right to work and will have support in finding employment as part of a comprehensive integration package.
The Department for Work and Pensions will support Afghan refugees who are eligible for the Kickstart Scheme to access it if it is appropriate to their needs.
Asked by: Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to help recently arrived Afghan refugees find employment.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
Those coming from Afghanistan to the UK on the resettlement programmes will have the right to work here from day one, as well as immediate access to the benefit system and our existing employment offer, including our £30 billion Plan for Jobs.
Direct, personalised support is available from experienced work coaches in the temporary hotel accommodation where Afghans are staying across the country. Work coaches are there to help with any claims or queries and to provide tailored employment support. Resettling Afghans will also have access to our Refugee Leads Network, which links Jobcentres and organisations working with refugees and those on resettlement programmes, to help them integrate and find employment in local areas. We will also work to ensure that English as a Second or Other Language provision, and other support, is available to those that need it.