Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether their Department has run any (a) recruitment and (b) internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the last year.

The Civil Service People Plan 2024–2027 commits to attracting and retaining diverse talent. Recruitment follows the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, ensuring fair and open competition based on merit.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) supports inclusive recruitment pathways, welcoming individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, and other categories. GFiE helps participants gain skills, experience, and career opportunities.

From October 2024 to October 2025, the Department supported the Autism Exchange Internship Programme, offering eight placements.

The Department guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.