Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of proposals from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation for a cross-departmental forum in collaboration with business and industry to consider long-term workforce planning.

Government departments already work closely together, and with employers, on our approach to skills and the labour market.

DWP regularly meets with departments responsible for key sectors to identify and promote opportunities within high demand and growing sectors. By identifying barriers and skills needs, DWP can ensure that provision is available to support people to move into and progress in jobs in local growing sectors.

Government departments also work closely with employers to ensure that the skills offer encompasses the needs of employers by putting them at the heart of the skills system and ensuring that education and training meets their needs. By 2030, almost all technical courses will be on employer-led standards, ensuring that the education and training people receive, is directly linked to the skills needed for jobs.