First Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.