Jobcentre Plus and National Careers Service: Merger

Baroness Browning Excerpts

Thursday 10th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Sherlock (Lab)]

The noble Lord raises a very important point. I think there are two different questions. The careers advisers will continue to be careers advisers, who are appropriately qualified, and they will work closely with work coaches. The DWP has a range of support and learning for our staff to make sure they understand the range of customers and disabilities, including learning disabilities. I am quite confident that the relationship between the two will address those points, but I will look specifically at this and make sure we embed it in the guidance and training.

[Baroness Browning (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister will understand why I ask her this question, because we have discussed it many times before. When this new regime comes in, will there be any restriction or criteria at all that would prevent any disabled person of working age walking into a Jobcentre Plus and not being turned away at the door because they do not meet the criteria? Can they just walk in and get help?

[Baroness Sherlock (Lab)]

My Lords, I hope people would not just be turned away. We will always prioritise resources for those who need them most. One of the great things about the new service is that there are lots of different ways to get help. For example, those who are already in touch with the DWP because they are on benefits will have a work coach, but the work coach will now find it easier and more seamless in the journey for them to be referred on to help. We have also created the work hub, a brilliant new set of digital tools which allows people to use all kind of things—not only CV builders but AI tools to enable them to find a job, putting in their particular skills and challenges. But there are categories of people who at the moment are not covered by any of these things, and we will make sure they get the support they need. The aim is to make sure you can phone up a helpline or get help online. If you need particular kinds of help, you will get the help you need.