Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts

Monday 7th September 2015 Commons Chamber

[Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (Con)]

12. What support his Department provides to young people seeking work.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

14. What support his Department provides to young people seeking work.

[The Minister for Employment (Priti Patel)]

Tackling youth unemployment is a priority for this Government. We are determined that young people should not slip into a life on benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions provides a broad range of additional support for young people over and above the standard Jobcentre Plus offer, and that support is tailored to their needs.

--- Later in debate ---

[Priti Patel]

I am fully aware of the excellent work that Leonard Cheshire Disability, along with many other organisations, does to help young disabled people take up employment. The Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson), has discussed with many organisations, including the Shaw Trust and Whizz-Kidz, how they plan to do more in that area. It is right that we should all do more to support young disabled people to secure employment.

[Nigel Huddleston]

I have been approached by several young people in my constituency who have learning and reading difficulties, and they tell me that they find the process of applying for benefit, and the form-filling involved in seeking jobs, very complex. What specific actions is the Department taking to assist young people in these challenges?

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend is right. For a start, all young people are screened at the beginning of their claim process to identify any barriers and the kind of support they need. Importantly, we provide options other than online and paper-based ones, such as telephone support or face-to-face interviews. If he would like me to look at any specific cases, I will be happy to discuss them with him.