Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the barriers for unemployed people aged 50 to State Pension age with extensive work histories but limited formal qualifications, who have developed health conditions which restrict their employment options and face challenges navigating digital recruitment processes; and what targeted support his Department provides to help such people return to work.

The department recognises the challenges that people aged 50 and over with health conditions can face when seeking to access employment. We value the wealth of skills and experience that people aged 50 and over bring to the workplace and the economy and are committed to supporting them to find work through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes inclusion, flexibility and progression.

We provide additional, dedicated support in jobcentres for those who are aged 50 and over and in receipt of benefits. This includes 50PLUS Champions, who ensure that the specific needs of midlife workers are recognised and met. This can include IT training to help people to engage with digital services. Our Midlife MOT and local Employer and Partnership Teams also provide tailored guidance and connect people with health, skills, and financial support, and with employers.

We also have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals with health conditions to stay in work and get back into work. These include support from work coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in jobcentres, Access to Work grants and the Connect to Work programme, as well as initiatives joining up health and employment support around the individual through Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, and WorkWell.

As part of our plans to Get Britain Working, we are creating a Jobs and Careers Service, with an enhanced focus on skills and careers, available to all. Support will be more inclusive and tailored to individual needs, regardless of their barriers to work, to help them find secure, meaningful work, develop new skills and progress in their careers.