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Recruitment

Answer

DWP does not set or enforce expectations on how quickly employers should acknowledge or respond to job applications, but it uses its relationships with employers to encourage more timely communication throughout the recruitment process. This includes promoting good practice on keeping applicants informed, aligning recruitment activity with Jobcentre Plus to improve coordination, and using early insight on vacancies and candidates to help reduce delays.

DWP works with employers to encourage feedback to unsuccessful applicants where possible, promoting fair and inclusive recruitment. This includes encouraging employers to share outcome information with Jobcentre Plus to support individuals in improving future applications, using informal insight where structured feedback is not available, and engaging employers early to better understand requirements and prepare jobseekers before they apply.

Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society while building financial security for retirement, and we recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy. The Department is committed to supporting people over the age of 50 out of work to return to work through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes inclusion, flexibility, and progression.

We provide additional dedicated support for customers aged 50 and over in Jobcentres, including through our 50PLUS Champions, who ensure that the specific needs of this age group are recognised and met. This includes facilitating engagement with local employers, promoting age inclusive policies, and supporting work coaches to deliver activity locally. We also offer the Midlife MOT, which helps individuals assess their health, skills and finances, and directs them to appropriate guidance to support their return to work. In addition, our Employer and Partnership Teams work closely with local employers and partners to expand the opportunities, training and employment support available to jobseekers aged 50 and over.

As part of our wider plans to Get Britain Working and create a new Jobs and Careers Service, we are reforming employment support to make it more inclusive and better tailored to individuals. This includes strengthening the support we offer to people aged 50 and over to help them move back into good, meaningful work and progress in work.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

9240

Session

2026-27

Subjects

Applications Employment Recruitment Older people

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk