Oral Answers to Questions

Saqib Bhatti Excerpts

Monday 28th June 2021 Commons Chamber

[David Johnston (Wantage) (Con)]

What steps she is taking to work with (a) charities and (b) training providers to support young people back into work.

[Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con)]

What steps she is taking to work with (a) charities and (b) training providers to support young people back into work.

[Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)]

What steps she is taking to work with (a) charities and (b) training providers to support young people back into work.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mims Davies]

I very much understand my colleague’s comments. Supporting young people to thrive and find new opportunities is an important priority for me, and I take his comments on board. This is exactly what we are doing with our new DWP youth hubs. Jobcentre Plus works with employers, training providers and charities to identify local training needs and to ensure that opportunities and suitable outreach are available for all claimants, including young people.

[Saqib Bhatti [V]]

Careers fairs can be a fantastic way of promoting opportunity in the local area, which is why I plan to host one in my constituency of Meriden in the coming months. Given the strengths of jobcentres and their local relationships, what support can they provide to help make careers fairs such as mine a success?

[Mims Davies]

Jobcentre staff have a wealth of knowledge of the local labour market, cultivated by working closely with MPs, partners and businesses in their local community. My hon. Friend’s careers fair will be a very welcome addition to the ongoing work of Jobcentre Plus branches in the area, which are inviting employers on a one-to-one basis for kickstart interviews daily. They have virtual group information sessions as well to get young people into work.