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
7 results
Clear
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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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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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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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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