Jobcentres: Impact on Economic Growth

17 Mar

Question

The Question session held in the House of Commons revolved around the role of jobcentres in economic growth, particularly focusing on the support provided to diverse groups, including young people and individuals with disabilities. Speakers emphasized the importance of jobcentres in reducing unemployment-related economic inactivity and enhancing mental health support for young job seekers.

Andrew Lewin from Labour initiated the discussion by addressing the potential impacts of jobcentres on economic growth. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by his community's youth, particularly mental health barriers.

80% employment rate target

Emphasized as a goal through jobcentre initiatives and partnerships.

Andrew Western, a leading voice in the debate, outlined the government's broader strategy to promote economic growth through jobcentres. He emphasized the responsibility of jobcentres in creating inclusive employment opportunities for all, aiming for an 80% employment rate by fostering collaborations and expanding job services.

8 May, Jobs day in Salisbury Guildhall

John Glen highlighted this upcoming event as a collaborative initiative between the local jobcentre and employers.

Stephen Glen from the Conservative Party supplemented the discussion by sharing practical insights from his constituency, acknowledging the expertise and initiative demonstrated by local jobcentres in organizing job fairs. He called for expanding jobcentres' outreach to local businesses, fortifying their role as a job market facilitator.

Overall, the session underscored the critical role of jobcentres in driving meaningful economic growth through coordinated community engagement, mental health support, and strategic job placement.

Outcome

The debate reinforced a collective parliamentary commitment to supporting jobcentres in overcoming systemic barriers to employment, with a particular focus on youth and individuals facing mental health challenges. New initiatives like the 'youth guarantee' and expanded outreach programs with local businesses were key takeaways, signaling potential future transformations in the approach to employment services.

Key Contributions

Andrew Lewin

Labour

Queried impacts of jobcentres on economic growth.

Andrew Western

Acknowledged role of jobcentres in ensuring economic growth.

John Glen

Conservative

Praised local jobcentres for their comprehensive knowledge and support in organizing job fairs.

Original Transcript

Andrew Lewin

Welwyn Hatfield

Lab

Question

UIN: 903202

9. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of jobcentres on economic growth.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Andrew Western

15:04

Supporting everyone to find good, meaningful work and helping them to progress is vital for economic growth. That includes disabled people who want to work and contribute, but who are let down by the current system.

Jobcentres have a key role to play in that, and through creating a new jobs and careers service, we will help more people get into work and get on at work, supporting our ambition for an 80% employment rate.

Andrew Lewin

15:04

I am fortunate in my community that we have an above average number of 18 to 24-year-olds, but when I was talking to the manager of the Hatfield jobcentre just last week, they said that the single biggest barrier to young people getting into work is their mental health, which a number of colleagues have spoken about in the Chamber today.

Can the Minister say a little more about our objective of helping young people into work? Does he agree that the only way we will succeed in growing the economy is by helping those people overcome the barriers with their mental health?

Andrew Western

15:04

My hon. Friend is correct to highlight the importance of tackling economic inactivity in order to drive up economic growth. This Government understand the negative effects that unemployment can have on mental health, particularly among young people, which can impact future prospects.

The youth guarantee will help address barriers faced by young people to ensure that they can access quality training opportunities and apprenticeships or help to find work, boosting their confidence and giving them the very best chance of success in the workplace.

John Glen

Salisbury

Con

15:04

A few weeks ago, I visited Salisbury jobcentre and I met Kirstie Reakes and George Thornley, who are helping me organise a jobs fair on Thursday 8 May. They could not have been more helpful. Their encyclopaedic knowledge of the local jobs market and businesses was impressive.

Will the Minister congratulate them and thank them for the help they are giving me with the jobs fair in Salisbury Guildhall on 8 May? Will he also reflect on what incentives jobcentres could have to reach out to businesses and deepen their knowledge of local labour markets?

Andrew Western

The right hon. Gentleman is correct to raise the issue of jobcentres reaching out to local employers. We know that we have a significant issue with whether the jobcentre is the vehicle of choice to advertise local job opportunities. That is a long-standing issue that we are keen to address.

I am delighted to congratulate his local jobcentre on the work it is doing to promote the jobs fair.

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