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

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 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'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'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'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 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.