Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government how national employment support is (1) targeted, and (2) funded.

DWP has a wide range of support available for job seekers. Delivered primarily through the Jobcentre Plus network and centrally funded, the Department provides personal tailored employment advice to match people to suitable job vacancies through our network of jobcentres. More intensive targeted support for specific groups, like young people and over 50s, is also provided through the Jobcentre Plus offer.

In addition, the Department provides nationally contracted support in England and Wales for individuals who need additional support to find work beyond that provided by the Jobcentre Plus offer. This includes the Work and Health Programme, Intensive Personalised Employment Support and Restart for people who are eligible and suitable. Contracted employment support for disabled people and people at risk of long-term unemployment is devolved as part of 2016 Scotland Act.

Spring Budget announced an investment of £3.5bn over 5 years in DWP measures to boost workforce participation. This includes investment to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, parents, over-50s, unemployed people and people on Universal Credit and working fewer than full-time hours.