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

Select Committee
Work and Pensions Committee HC 216 29 June 2021
Report Status Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations 25 items (21 recs)
Source View on Parliament website
Government Response (AI assessment · 25 of 25 classified)
Accepted 7
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 11
Rejected 1
Government response
Third Special Report - DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2021–22 · published 12 Nov 2021
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Recommendations & Conclusions

7 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
Para 32
While there is a broad consensus that new technology is unlikely to result in mass...
Conclusion
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 Summary
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
Para 50
New technology, especially assistive technology (AT), has the potential to expand disabled people’s access to...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
Para 106
We welcome the steps that DWP has already taken to ensure that jobseekers can develop...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
Para 107
In written evidence, DWP said that it intends to expand its skills offer.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
Para 108
DWP should set out a plan for how Jobcentre Plus can work more closely with...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
Para 120
As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
The evidence we have heard suggests that changes such as automation are unlikely to lead...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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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