Oral Answers to Questions

Henry Smith Excerpts

Monday 22nd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Steve Webb]

As the hon. Lady may be aware, when elements are included in primary legislation, statutory equality impact assessments are published at the time that the legislation is published—and will be available to the House.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

8. What recent progress his Department has made on delivering its Work programme.

[Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con)]

13. What recent progress his Department has made on delivering its Work programme.

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Chris Grayling)]

The commercial delivery of the Work programme is on track. Before the end of the month, we will be releasing a list of those organisations that have successfully bid to be part of the framework for employment-related support services. Shortly after that, in early December, we will publish the full invitation to tender for the Work programme. We are still on course to launch the programme next summer.

[Henry Smith]

Regrettably, my constituency has one of the worst records for its over-50 unemployed people ever getting back into work. I would be interested to hear some specific advice about what the Government are planning for that age group.