Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Robinson Excerpts

Monday 5th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD)]

17. What steps he plans to take to increase levels of employment in Cumbria.

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

18. What steps his Department is taking to expand the support available through jobcentres in Cheadle constituency.

[Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con)]

24. What steps he is taking to help fill job vacancies in Darlington constituency.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jo Churchill]

I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman, but I also gently say that this is about other Government Departments as well. I will certainly work with him as far as employers go, under my remit.

[Mary Robinson]

Speaking to Stockport jobcentre last week, I heard about the success of the movement to work scheme, which places young people with employers, including in the civil service. However, the lengthy civil service application process is delaying placements. Will my hon. Friend look into how the process could be streamlined and accelerated, and join me on a visit to Stockport jobcentre?

[Jo Churchill]

I know that senior civil servants are engaged in piloting an initiative that will help to speed this up, because we need to place those candidates more quickly and ensure that we get them into work swiftly. I would love to visit Stockport and add its jobcentre to the growing list that I have visited.