DWP’s response to the coronavirus outbreak: Work and Pensions Committee evidence session on Restart scheme – Wednesday 16th December at 9.30am

The Work and Pensions Committee is to take evidence from academics and policy experts on the Government’s new Restart employment support programme.

Announced in last month’s Spending Review, the £2.9billion scheme is aimed at helping more than one million people find new jobs.

The session is likely to explore issues around funding and timing of the programme, as well as the types of support that will be needed to ensure people have the right skills to find and stay in work. It is also expected to examine the role of employers, small businesses and local authorities in delivering support and how the scheme will work for specific groups, such as disabled people.

The hearing is part of the Committee’s work examining the DWP’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Witness schedule:

Wednesday 16^th December at 9.30am

Panel 1

• Tony Wilson, Director, Institute for Employment Studies
• Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute
• Professor Dan Finn, Emeritus Professor, University of Portsmouth

Panel 2

• Martin McTague, National Vice Chair of Policy and Advocacy, Federation of Small Businesses
• Mat Ilic, Chief Development Officer, Catch22
• Elizabeth Taylor, Chief Executive, Employment Related Services Association
• Mat Ainsworth, Assistant Director of Employment, Greater Manchester Combined Authority