Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to take steps to further expand testing of the Mid-life MOT programme.

In the winter 2021 budget, DWP secured more than £5m to deliver new work to expand and improve the Mid-Life MOT offer across three new workstreams.

The three workstreams are (1) developing and and enhancing the Government’s digital MOT offering; (2) delivering Mid-life MOTs through our UK network of Job Centre Plus offices; and (3) launching a face-to-face Mid-life MOT programme delivered through employers and direct to employees in three pilot areas (the North East of England; Cornwall & Devon; and East Anglia), via providers to be identified through a commercial exercise.

These new measures are part of DWP’s £22 million package to help over 50s find new careers and earn more money, including by boosting time with Work Coaches and bringing in specialist support.