Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Darren Paffey Excerpts
Monday 9th December 2024

(3 days, 18 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Bridget Phillipson Portrait Bridget Phillipson
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The hon. Member is right that there are skills gaps in cyber, digital and tech overall. That is why Skills England will drive forward our work in addressing those skills gaps as well as in ensuring that our young people have great careers in the years to come. That is one area in particular where I know there is lots of opportunity for young people to enjoy a fantastic career.

Darren Paffey Portrait Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)
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Itchen sixth-form college in my constituency was recently judged to be “outstanding” by Ofsted. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating the college? Does she agree that future success requires us to sort out financial inconsistencies such as lecturers’ pay and VAT liabilities?

Bridget Phillipson Portrait Bridget Phillipson
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My hon. Friend identifies a number of the challenges that we have inherited as a new Government. We are working as quickly as we can to address them. We want to ensure that teachers right across the sector, whether in our schools, the FE sector or colleges, get the support, the pay and the recognition that they deserve.