Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Monday 13th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Will Quince]

That is why, in recent Budgets, we have put an additional £1.7 billion into the universal credit system.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

5. What steps she is taking to increase employment opportunities for care leavers.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Will Quince)]

This Government have introduced a £1,000 bursary for those starting an apprenticeship, the care leaver covenant and extended paid internship opportunities across the Government. I will build on the good work of my predecessor and meet employers to see how we can further improve job opportunities for care leavers.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

Of what does the Minister’s work with Barnardo’s consist?

[Will Quince]

I thank my right hon. Friend for that question. He is a passionate campaigner and supporter of Barnardo’s. The Department and Barnardo’s are developing a small work experience pilot for care leavers in a number of Barnardo’s high street shops. More broadly, the Government aim to use the care leaver covenant to secure 1,000 employment opportunities by September 2021.