Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans her Department has to prepare for potential jobs losses in the event the UK leaves the EU without a negotiated withdrawal agreement.

The Government has been clear that leaving the EU with a deal is its preferred option. The Government is, however, continuing to plan for a range of scenarios, including a no deal exit from the EU.

These contingencies ensure that DWP can continue to provide our vital services and that individuals will continue to be able to access DWP benefits and services on the same basis as they do now.

The labour market remains resilient and our employment rate is at a joint record high, but we need to be prepared for changing circumstances, including potential economic impacts of different EU Exit scenarios as well as impacts not related to EU Exit. DWP is working across Government to build the most up to date picture of the labour market, using all available information.

We are committed to helping everyone access fulfilling work while ensuring vulnerable people get the support they need, and leaving the EU on October 31 will not change that.