Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2014, Official Report, column 431W, on jobseeker's allowance, how many jobseekers aged (a) between 18 and 21, (b) 22 and 24 and (c) 25 years and over were assessed for potential skills needs at the beginning of their claim to jobseeker's allowance in the most recent year for which data is available; and how many jobseekers in each category were assessed as having a skills need.

All jobseeker's are assessed at the beginning of their claim to Jobseeker's Allowance for potential skills needs that are a barrier to them finding work. Where a skills need is identified, claimants are referred to courses.

This Government is committed to ensuring jobseekers have the skills they need to get into work. In 2012/13 171,100 young people aged 19-24 and claiming benefit started a learning course, an increase of 30% over 2011/12.