Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Howell and Justin Tomlinson

Monday 19th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

4. What recent steps the Government have taken to support care leavers into employment.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Justin Tomlinson)]

This Government are committed to supporting care leavers. We have introduced a £1,000 bursary to those starting an apprenticeship, extended paid internship opportunities across Government, launched a care leaver covenant and are upskilling our Jobcentre Plus staff.

[John Howell]

What work is the Minister doing with Barnardo’s, and what impact is the See Potential programme having?

[Justin Tomlinson]

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Ms McVey), who made it a personal priority of hers to introduce Barnardo’s not only to help train and improve the guidance for all of our frontline staff, but to offer a comprehensive work experience programme and opportunities for care leavers. This is a vital part of our See Potential work, as we unlock their undoubted potential.