On 19 July 2023, the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee published a report in which it makes recommendations to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). These include job plans and employment support for unemployed people. Here, we summarise some of the key recommendations.
Mental health
The report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects, notably on the mental health of young people, resulting in barriers to employment for many in the 16 to 24 age group. The DWP therefore needs to integrate mental health support and confidence-building training into future programmes for this demographic. It also suggests that collaboration with mental health professionals is vital to ensure the effectiveness of this integrated approach.
DWP Youth Hubs play a crucial role in providing services to young individuals. However, accessibility to mental health support remains an issue, with inconsistent quality standards across the network. To rectify this, the report recommends that the DWP ensures that any mental health services established in Youth Hubs are available to all young people who are out of work. This must include those who are not claiming Universal Credit but require help returning to the employment market. In addition, clear guidelines should be defined for consistent service delivery across all Youth Hubs.
The introduction of the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) initiative that embeds employment support in mental health services is considered a positive step. To ensure wider coverage, the report says the DWP should collaborate with devolved administrations to roll out IPSPCs nationally, benefiting individuals with both mental health and other long-term health conditions.
Tackling barriers to work for older workers
Ageism in the workplace remains an issue. Encouraging employers to hire staff over 50 can be facilitated through a scheme that champions older workers and grants outcomes-based accreditation to inclusive employers. Transparency is crucial, so the report recommends that employers be required to publish data on their employment of older workers.
Modernising occupational health and income protection
Enhancing access to occupational health services is essential according to the report, especially for small businesses. Income protection insurance, alongside occupational health, can support employees during illness or injury, reducing the burden on government resources. The transition to online document submission and e-signatures for Access to Work is overdue and should be prioritised.
A holistic and localised approach to employment support
The report emphasises that effective employment support extends beyond simply securing a job. DWP should provide continued assistance to individuals at risk of re-entering unemployment, tailoring support based on their specific needs. A person-centred approach is crucial, focusing on physical and mental health, skill acquisition and debt management.
According to the report, a more localised approach to employment support delivery, aligned with NHS-integrated care system boundaries, can better address individual needs. Devolving support to groups of local authorities ensures tailored assistance while maintaining a national framework for oversight and quality consistency.
Ensuring accountability and data transparency
To hold DWP accountable and make informed recommendations, transparent quarterly reporting of employment programme results is strongly recommended in the report. Clear targets and performance measurements should be established, adhering to guidelines from the Office for Statistics Regulation.
By addressing these issues through collaboration, transparency and tailored solutions, the Committee suggests that the DWP can significantly impact economic inactivity and ensure a more inclusive and resilient labour market for all.
