Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who want to work but are not currently engaged with Jobcentre Plus services.

As part of our plans to Get Britain Working and create a new Jobs and Careers Service, we are making employment and careers support available to everyone, including those who are not currently engaged with Jobcentre Plus services. This includes our recently launched digital service, ‘Work Hub’, which provides customers with access to an AI work assistant, CV builder and job-search tool, whenever they need it. In addition, the National Careers Service website provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers and skills.

We have also expanded our community-based employment and careers support to reach those who might not otherwise engage with DWP services, including increasing the number of Jobcentre vans to nine, and working with partners to deliver employment support in libraries, GP surgeries and local authority buildings.