Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to his Written Statement of 27 February 2023 on Additional Jobcentre Support – Pilot rollout, HCWS582, whether he discussed the scheme to recognise and reward jobcentre teams who furthest exceed their aspirational targets with (a) PCS union and (b) other staff representative bodies before its publication.

Additional Jobcentre support and the provision of incentives for teams who furthest exceed their aspirational targets were discussed with the Trade Unions recognised within DWP: PCS, Prospect and FDA. DWP met with these Unions at Departmental level on three occasions ahead of launching the Jobcentre Innovation Challenge. Trade Unions were given the opportunity to review and comment on internal products and communications.