DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work

Work and Pensions Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 14 May 2020 Closed: 2 Feb 2022 Parliament page
This inquiry looked at how prepared the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its Jobcentre Plus network is for changes in the world of work brought about by new technology. It focussed on: The challenges the DWP faces as a result of technological change How prepared the DWP is … Read more
21 Recommendations
4 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
1 Letter
6 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
12 Nov
2021
Report published
29 Jun
2021
Report published
22 Jun
2021
Correspondence
11 Feb
2021
Oral evidence
13 Jan
2021
Oral evidence
25 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
11 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
4 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
23 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
11 Feb 2021
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DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
John Paul Marks · Department for Work and Pensions Jonathan Mills · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Mims Davies MP · Department for Work and Pensions
13 Jan 2021
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Work and Pensions Committee
Antony Walker · techUK Dr George Zarkadakis · Willis Towers Watson Tamara Hill · British Retail Consortium Tebessum Rashid · Black Training and Enterprise Group Verity Davidge · Make UK
25 Nov 2020
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DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
Carys Roberts · Institute for Public Policy Research Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson · UK Women's Budget Group Hector Minto · Microsoft James Taylor · Scope Julia Waltham · Working Families Kim Chaplain · Centre for Ageing Better
11 Nov 2020
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DWP’s preparations for the world of work–Universal Basic income
Anthony Painter Dr Malcolm Torry · University of Bath Edward Davies · Centre for Social Justice Paul Vaughan · Fife Council Professor Nick Pearce
4 Nov 2020
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DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work
Anna Thomas · Institute for the Future of Work Associate Professor Jo Ingold · Deakin University, Faculty of Business and Law Ian Pope · Public and Commercial Services Union Jonathan Boys · Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Kate Bell · Trades Union Congress Professor Alan Felstead · Cardiff University School of Social Sciences
23 Sep 2020
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Work and Pensions Committee meeting
Ashley McCaul · ThinkForward Ben Marson · The Prince's Trust Joe Fitzsimons · Institute of Directors Laura-Jane Rawlings · Youth Employment UK Sam Windett · Impetus Torsten Bell · Resolution Foundation
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of wo… HC 216 29 Jun 2021 25 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
25 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass...
While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass unemployment, it will lead to the loss of some jobs and the creation of entirely new ones. Some sectors will experience the impact of new … Read more
Government Response
The government describes ongoing inter-departmental work and DWP's role in providing employability and vocational skills training to support jobseekers into priority sectors. This demonstrates existing efforts to address the labour market impacts of technology mentioned in the committee's conclusion.
Department for Work and Pensions
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2 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We heard evidence that DWP has not been proactive enough in planning for long- term...
We heard evidence that DWP has not been proactive enough in planning for long- term changes to the world of work, and that it has largely reacted to change instead of planning ahead for a range of different scenarios or … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses on BEIS's commitment to establishing a single enforcement body for employment rights, which is a component of safeguarding workers' rights, but does not address the core recommendation for DWP to develop a comprehensive strategy for long-term labour market changes and the impact of new technology.
Department for Work and Pensions
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3 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
New technology has the potential to enhance employees’ experience of work; for example, by allowing...
New technology has the potential to enhance employees’ experience of work; for example, by allowing for greater use of remote working and replacing more mundane tasks. However, there is also a risk that technology could have an adverse impact on … Read more
Government Response
The government's response describes existing inter-departmental work to identify skills and job demand, but it does not address the recommendation to safeguard employees' rights and wellbeing or ensure job quality in the context of new technology.
Department for Work and Pensions
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4 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
Responsibility for responding to changes in the world of work does not sit with one...
Responsibility for responding to changes in the world of work does not sit with one department. DWP told us that it works with other government departments to help fill roles in sectors where there is growing demand: for example, with … Read more
Government Response
The government's response lists existing bodies related to AI and data ethics but does not explain how DWP will take a more strategic approach to engaging with other departments or work with MHCLG on the Levelling Up programme, as recommended.
Department for Work and Pensions
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5 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it will publish a new AI Strategy later this...
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it will publish a new AI Strategy later this year that will focus on economic growth through widespread use of digital technologies and on developing every adult’s digital skills. DWP should work closely with … Read more
Government Response
The government's response highlights existing bodies like the Office for AI, the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, and the AI Council. It does not, however, commit to DWP working closely with DCMS and BEIS on the development of the new AI Strategy or ensuring the strategy addresses the impact of AI on the labour market.
Department for Work and Pensions
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6 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
The Government has committed to introducing an Employment Bill in this Parliament which will “build...
The Government has committed to introducing an Employment Bill in this Parliament which will “build on existing employment law with measures that protect those in low-paid work and the gig economy”. In our earlier report on DWP’s response to the … Read more
Government Response
The government's response states that they have shared the recommendations with the ONS, which does not address the core recommendation to set a timescale for the Employment Bill or publish it in draft.
Department for Work and Pensions
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7 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We have heard concerns that there is a lack of real-time data on how quickly...
We have heard concerns that there is a lack of real-time data on how quickly employers in the UK are adopting new technology. If DWP is to respond effectively to changes in the world of work, it needs a stronger … Read more
Government Response
The government has shared the committee's recommendation to add questions about technology adoption to the Annual Business Survey with the Office for National Statistics.
Department for Work and Pensions
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8 Recommendation Rejected
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
As change leads to the emergence of new jobs and changes to existing ones, the...
As change leads to the emergence of new jobs and changes to existing ones, the Government must ensure that it is monitoring the impact of change on the quality of jobs, not just the quantity. Studies such as the Skills … Read more
Government Response
The government rejected the recommendation to fund the Skills and Employment Survey, stating that it is owned by academics and funded primarily by the ESRC, making it solely their decision whether the survey runs again.
Department for Work and Pensions
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9 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to...
New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to the labour market. However, take-up and knowledge of AT is still low. DWP should do more to improve knowledge and take-up of assistive technology amongst … Read more
Government Response
The government has accepted the recommendation, committing £1m in 2021-22 to develop a Centre for Assistive and Accessible Technology, which will involve procurement for needs assessment, piloting AT loan hubs, and developing an AT centre.
Department for Work and Pensions
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10 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
DWP must ensure that its digital skills offer is accessible and inclusive for disabled people.
DWP must ensure that its digital skills offer is accessible and inclusive for disabled people. It should set out how it intends to increase the proportion of disabled people who benefit from its support and commit to publishing data on this.
Government Response
The government highlights the DfE's introduction of a legal entitlement for fully funded digital qualifications (entry level and level 1) for adults with low digital skills, alongside new Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs). The response does not specifically address how DWP will ensure its digital skills offer is accessible and inclusive for disabled people or commit to publishing relevant data.
Department for Work and Pensions
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11 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
Changes in the world of work will affect some groups of people more significantly than...
Changes in the world of work will affect some groups of people more significantly than others. We heard that automation has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities—but that does not have to be the case.
Government Response
The government discusses the move towards hybrid working and its potential benefits for disabled people. It highlights the Flexible Working Taskforce's focus and commitments in the National Disability Strategy on flexible working, carer leave, and a 'Disability at Work' advice hub.
Department for Work and Pensions
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12 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
The employment gap between White and BAME workers remains too high, despite the Government’s intent...
The employment gap between White and BAME workers remains too high, despite the Government’s intent to reduce it. There is a risk that the gap will widen if, as some predict, automation affects some ethnic groups more significantly than others. … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses BEIS's evaluation of the Shared Parental Leave and Pay scheme, which is entirely unrelated to the committee's conclusion on employment gaps for BAME workers, the differential impact of automation on men and women, or the need for diverse expertise.
Department for Work and Pensions
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We recommend that, as part of its commitment to levelling up, the Government should establish...
We recommend that, as part of its commitment to levelling up, the Government should establish a new publicly funded advisory body of experts with a focus on the potential impact of changes in the world of work on different groups … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses introducing markers on the Universal Credit system to gather claimant characteristics for tailored support, and highlights existing evaluation processes for Kickstart and Restart programmes. This does not address the recommendation to establish a new advisory body.
Department for Work and Pensions
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14 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
The pandemic has accelerated the take up of new technology in the workplace, and it...
The pandemic has accelerated the take up of new technology in the workplace, and it has led to a growth in remote working. It is likely that some of the changes to working patterns and practices will remain in place … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendation by referencing existing ONS data on hybrid working and disabled people's experience, and highlights commitments in the National Disability Strategy and the focus of the Flexible Working Taskforce, but does not explicitly commit to monitoring and publishing a specific analysis covering technology take-up, working patterns, and job quality as requested.
Department for Work and Pensions
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15 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
The shift to remote working has had significant ramifications for people with caring responsibilities.
The shift to remote working has had significant ramifications for people with caring responsibilities. We heard evidence that the number of men undertaking DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work 51 unpaid childcare has increased during the pandemic. … Read more
Government Response
The government states that BEIS is currently analysing data from surveys and a 2019 consultation on parental leave and pay, which will inform future policy but does not commit to the specific recommendation to introduce a day one right to paternity leave.
Department for Work and Pensions
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16 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
Unemployment has risen because of the pandemic, but some sectors have been hit harder than...
Unemployment has risen because of the pandemic, but some sectors have been hit harder than others. Sectors which have seen the highest proportion of job losses are those that have been “shut down” in response to the pandemic, such as … Read more
Government Response
The government's response describes existing engagement with local stakeholders to understand labour market issues but does not address how the Kickstart and Restart schemes will specifically meet the needs of disabled people or commit to collecting better data.
Department for Work and Pensions
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17 Conclusion Accepted in Part
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
The Department will, however, be limited by longstanding deficiencies in the collection and storage of...
The Department will, however, be limited by longstanding deficiencies in the collection and storage of data about Universal Credit claimants. The Department has told us that it does not have the mechanisms within the Universal Credit system to collect real … Read more
Government Response
The government understands the committee's point about data deficiency and, while not introducing general UC system markers, is exploring ways for claimants to self-declare circumstances. It is developing processes for armed forces and care experience data and will evaluate their impact, while Kickstart and Restart programs have their own evaluation processes.
Department for Work and Pensions
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18 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We reiterate our recommendation, first made in October 2020, that the Department should immediately make...
We reiterate our recommendation, first made in October 2020, that the Department should immediately make improvements to the Universal Credit system to enable it to record and use data about claimants’ characteristics. Without those improvements, the Department cannot effectively measure … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses increasing Disability Employment Advisers and reviewing their roles, but it does not address the recommendation to improve the Universal Credit system for recording claimant characteristics data or provide a timeline for such improvements.
Department for Work and Pensions
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19 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We welcome the steps that DWP has already taken to ensure that jobseekers can develop...
We welcome the steps that DWP has already taken to ensure that jobseekers can develop the skills they need in a changing jobs market. We were encouraged by the Minister’s comments that DWP is working with the Department for Education … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the skills offer is a joint cross-government initiative, with DWP playing a critical role in influencing and creating access to training alongside DfE. It details that DWP is expanding its offer to match skills needs with local employer demand through active engagement and the DWP Train and Progress initiative.
Department for Work and Pensions
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20 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer.
In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer. In response to this report, it should set out its plans in detail. In particular, it should explain how its offer will focus on the skills for … Read more
Government Response
The government details that DWP is expanding its skills offer in collaboration with DfE and Devolved Administrations, actively influencing and creating access to training aligned with local employer demand. This includes the DWP Train and Progress initiative, focusing on digital skills and catering to people of all ages, including older workers.
Department for Work and Pensions
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21 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with...
DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with partners—including local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers and education and training providers—to ensure that its skills offer is aligned with the needs of the local … Read more
Government Response
The government states DWP already works closely with local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, employers, and other stakeholders through existing networks to understand local labour market needs and support training.
Department for Work and Pensions
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22 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
It is essential that Work Coaches have a detailed understanding of the local labour market.
It is essential that Work Coaches have a detailed understanding of the local labour market. Business engagement is a key route to understanding the changing jobs market and the nature of skills that employers are looking for. We heard evidence, … Read more
Government Response
The government states Work Coaches are supported by dedicated Employer and Partnership Managers and Employer Advisers who handle direct business engagement. It also notes that Work Coaches receive comprehensive training that includes acquiring a working knowledge of their local labour market, but does not commit to specific business engagement training, time, or performance objectives for Work Coaches themselves.
Department for Work and Pensions
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23 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
We welcome the fact that DWP has recruited 13,500 additional Work Coaches in response to...
We welcome the fact that DWP has recruited 13,500 additional Work Coaches in response to the pandemic. DWP should continue to assess whether the number of Work Coaches is sufficient, and commit to recruiting more in the future if demand … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has increased Disability Employment Advisers and regularly reviews their numbers and functions to ensure adequate capacity. However, it does not make a specific commitment to recruit more Work Coaches if demand rises or to hire more/upskill DEAs if necessary, as recommended.
Department for Work and Pensions
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24 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to...
As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to affect the way DWP delivers its services. As DWP moves more of its services online, it must ensure that people with low digital literacy, who … Read more
Government Response
The government states Jobcentres have maintained and resumed full face-to-face services and offer Wi-Fi and computers for digital access. It also highlights the recruitment of 13,500 additional Work Coaches to support claimants.
Department for Work and Pensions
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25 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - DWP’s preparations …
The evidence we have heard suggests that changes such as automation are unlikely to lead...
The evidence we have heard suggests that changes such as automation are unlikely to lead to mass unemployment. That does not mean that there will be no displacement at all, especially as job roles and requirements change, and it is … Read more
Government Response
The government maintains that its welfare approach focuses on making work pay and supporting people into work, viewing it as the best way out of poverty. It states that Universal Credit is an efficient and effective way of providing support as it responds to claimants' needs and pays more where need is greater.
Department for Work and Pensions
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Government Response AI assessment · 25 of 21 classified
Accepted 7
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 11
Rejected 1
Total 21 recs + 4 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
22 Jun 2021 Correspondence with Secretary of State for DWP about the Restart scheme
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