Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of the response by the British Chambers of Commerce to the Milburn Review.

I welcome Milburn’s clear diagnosis and the British Chambers of Commerce’s endorsement. This is not a temporary problem and partnerships between employers and education providers are critical. We will consider Alan Milburn’s full recommendations in the autumn as we shape the next phase of reform.

The Employment Rights Act will improve job security, quality and fair pay, with young workers among the largest beneficiaries. The Industrial Strategy, commits £1.2bn each year for skills by 2028-29 to deliver more opportunities in high-growth sectors.

We are working with DWP to ensure every young person can access work, training and apprenticeship opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.