Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to support (a) young and (b) older adults to access (i) employment opportunities and (ii) skills training in Surrey Heath constituency.

DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of Jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes. The Government is reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them progress in their careers. This includes an enhanced focus on skills and careers advice.

The Department of Work and Pensions Youth Offer provides individually tailored Work Coach support to young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit. This support includes the Youth Employment Programme, Youth Employability Coaches for young people with additional barriers to finding work, and Youth Hubs across Great Britain.

The Chancellor has announced that every eligible young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be offered guaranteed paid work through a new Youth Guarantee. This new initiative will build upon existing employment support and sector-based work academies currently being delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions. The scheme forms part of the government’s aim to provide targeted support for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

A dedicated offer for older jobseekers provides more tailored support for those affected by additional challenges such as out-of-date skills or qualifications or those who need help with CVs.

In Surrey Heath, our Jobcentre teams work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers of all ages. Support for younger customers includes Camberley Jobcentre co-locating our services within the local Youth Hub alongside provisions including mental health support, budgeting and financial support, digital and skills training as well as CV and careers guidance. Our Jobcentre Teams also have dedicated Work Coaches delivering Mid-Life MOT sessions and Pension awareness workshops for our 50+ customers. The team also work closely with providers such as Surrey Adult Learning to ensure customers of all ages, including those 50+, can access digital support for internet use, online job and CV support as well as digital tools for communication and productivity.