All providers of all government funded apprenticeships are required to submit information on apprenticeship starts and completions which are held on the Longitudinal Individualised Learner Record.

Starts and achievements on the Level 2 Bricklayer, Level 3 Craft Bricklayer, Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery, Level 3 Craft Carpentry and Joinery, Level 2 Painter and Decorator, Level 3 Craft Painter and Decorator and Level 2 Plasterer apprenticeship standards can be found here and attached. 'Subjects - Starts, Achievements, Enrolments by Age, Sex, Ethnicity, LLDD, SSA, Detailed level, Standard-framework' from 'Apprenticeships', Permanent data table - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK.

Apprenticeships are occupationally specific and employers are responsible for determining whether an individual has the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to start a particular apprenticeship. There is no general requirement for an individual to have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in order to begin the corresponding Level 3 apprenticeship.

In relation to the Level 3 Craft Painting and Decorating, Level 3 Craft Plastering, and Level 3 Craft Bricklaying standard, completion of the associated Level 2 apprenticeship is not a mandatory prerequisite. An apprentice may start a Level 3 apprenticeship where they can demonstrate the relevant prior knowledge, skills and experience required by the employer and training provider.

Employers are free to set entry requirements for their vacancies, taking account of the content and level of the apprenticeship standard. The government expects training providers and employers to take account of relevant prior learning and occupational competence when determining whether an applicant is suitable for a particular apprenticeship programme.

Where an individual has already acquired some of the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard, this must be recognised through an assessment of prior learning and the apprenticeship content and duration adjusted accordingly.

All providers of all government funded apprenticeships are required to submit information on apprenticeship starts and completions which are held on the Longitudinal Individualised Learner Record.

Starts and achievements on the Level 2 Bricklayer, Level 3 Craft Bricklayer, Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery, Level 3 Craft Carpentry and Joinery, Level 2 Painter and Decorator, Level 3 Craft Painter and Decorator and Level 2 Plasterer apprenticeship standards can be found here and attached. 'Subjects - Starts, Achievements, Enrolments by Age, Sex, Ethnicity, LLDD, SSA, Detailed level, Standard-framework' from 'Apprenticeships', Permanent data table - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK.

Apprenticeships are occupationally specific and employers are responsible for determining whether an individual has the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to start a particular apprenticeship. There is no general requirement for an individual to have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in order to begin the corresponding Level 3 apprenticeship.

In relation to the Level 3 Craft Painting and Decorating, Level 3 Craft Plastering, and Level 3 Craft Bricklaying standard, completion of the associated Level 2 apprenticeship is not a mandatory prerequisite. An apprentice may start a Level 3 apprenticeship where they can demonstrate the relevant prior knowledge, skills and experience required by the employer and training provider.

Employers are free to set entry requirements for their vacancies, taking account of the content and level of the apprenticeship standard. The government expects training providers and employers to take account of relevant prior learning and occupational competence when determining whether an applicant is suitable for a particular apprenticeship programme.

Where an individual has already acquired some of the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard, this must be recognised through an assessment of prior learning and the apprenticeship content and duration adjusted accordingly.

All providers of all government funded apprenticeships are required to submit information on apprenticeship starts and completions which are held on the Longitudinal Individualised Learner Record.

Starts and achievements on the Level 2 Bricklayer, Level 3 Craft Bricklayer, Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery, Level 3 Craft Carpentry and Joinery, Level 2 Painter and Decorator, Level 3 Craft Painter and Decorator and Level 2 Plasterer apprenticeship standards can be found here and attached. 'Subjects - Starts, Achievements, Enrolments by Age, Sex, Ethnicity, LLDD, SSA, Detailed level, Standard-framework' from 'Apprenticeships', Permanent data table - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK.

Apprenticeships are occupationally specific and employers are responsible for determining whether an individual has the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to start a particular apprenticeship. There is no general requirement for an individual to have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in order to begin the corresponding Level 3 apprenticeship.

In relation to the Level 3 Craft Painting and Decorating, Level 3 Craft Plastering, and Level 3 Craft Bricklaying standard, completion of the associated Level 2 apprenticeship is not a mandatory prerequisite. An apprentice may start a Level 3 apprenticeship where they can demonstrate the relevant prior knowledge, skills and experience required by the employer and training provider.

Employers are free to set entry requirements for their vacancies, taking account of the content and level of the apprenticeship standard. The government expects training providers and employers to take account of relevant prior learning and occupational competence when determining whether an applicant is suitable for a particular apprenticeship programme.

Where an individual has already acquired some of the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard, this must be recognised through an assessment of prior learning and the apprenticeship content and duration adjusted accordingly.

The government recognises the importance of maritime apprenticeships in helping employers develop a skilled workforce. Skills England works with employers and sector bodies to develop and maintain a range of maritime apprenticeship standards, ensuring they reflect employer needs.

Skills England is consulting with stakeholders on retiring some occupational standards. This is often due to low levels of new starts or delivery challenges, including limited provider availability. In this context, "retirement" means that the apprenticeship would close to new starts, while existing apprentices would normally be able to complete their training. The consultation is still live and so no final decision has been taken.

Information on the number of apprentices who may be affected in each region of England is not currently available, as no decision has been taken.

Young people wishing to pursue maritime careers can access a range of technical qualifications and employer-led training programmes. For more information please see, Occupational Maps: Skills England.

To further increase apprenticeship opportunities, the Government is introducing a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy paying employers who recruit 16 to 24-year-olds as new apprentice employees. In addition, apprenticeship training is now fully funded for all eligible under-25s at employers of all sizes, helping more young people access opportunities in sectors such as maritime.

The government recognises the importance of maritime apprenticeships in helping employers develop a skilled workforce. Skills England works with employers and sector bodies to develop and maintain a range of maritime apprenticeship standards, ensuring they reflect employer needs.

Skills England is consulting with stakeholders on retiring some occupational standards. This is often due to low levels of new starts or delivery challenges, including limited provider availability. In this context, "retirement" means that the apprenticeship would close to new starts, while existing apprentices would normally be able to complete their training. The consultation is still live and so no final decision has been taken.

Information on the number of apprentices who may be affected in each region of England is not currently available, as no decision has been taken.

Young people wishing to pursue maritime careers can access a range of technical qualifications and employer-led training programmes. For more information please see, Occupational Maps: Skills England.

To further increase apprenticeship opportunities, the Government is introducing a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy paying employers who recruit 16 to 24-year-olds as new apprentice employees. In addition, apprenticeship training is now fully funded for all eligible under-25s at employers of all sizes, helping more young people access opportunities in sectors such as maritime.

The government recognises the importance of maritime apprenticeships in helping employers develop a skilled workforce. Skills England works with employers and sector bodies to develop and maintain a range of maritime apprenticeship standards, ensuring they reflect employer needs.

Skills England is consulting with stakeholders on retiring some occupational standards. This is often due to low levels of new starts or delivery challenges, including limited provider availability. In this context, "retirement" means that the apprenticeship would close to new starts, while existing apprentices would normally be able to complete their training. The consultation is still live and so no final decision has been taken.

Information on the number of apprentices who may be affected in each region of England is not currently available, as no decision has been taken.

Young people wishing to pursue maritime careers can access a range of technical qualifications and employer-led training programmes. For more information please see, Occupational Maps: Skills England.

To further increase apprenticeship opportunities, the Government is introducing a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy paying employers who recruit 16 to 24-year-olds as new apprentice employees. In addition, apprenticeship training is now fully funded for all eligible under-25s at employers of all sizes, helping more young people access opportunities in sectors such as maritime.

In the quarter ending March 2026, around 5.4 million people (41%) who were receiving State Pension were receiving the New State Pension, while around 7.9 million people (59%) were receiving the Basic State Pension. The total State Pension caseload was approximately 13.3 million people.

Source: DWP Stat‑Xplore.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently consulted widely on proposed changes to the lead in blood exposure levels in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) 2002. The consultation concluded on 7 June 2026, and included consideration of the impact on different categories of workers including women of reproductive capacity and the operability of any proposed changes.

HSE will continue its analysis and engagement to better understand the impact of the proposed levels in the coming months, prior to making any further recommendations for reform. Since early 2025, HSE has been engaging with a range of businesses especially the heritage sector, which employs a high proportion of women, about possible changes to CLAW to inform this work.

An assessment of dropping the 2.5% element of the Triple lock on pensions and only uprating the equivalent of the basic state pension's value by the triple lock each year, with the remaining state pension payments uprated by prices, would incur disproportionate cost.

The Office for Budget Responsibility assume long-term annual growth rates for the following economic determinants: Consumer Price Index (2.0%), Average Earnings (3.75%) and ‘Triple Lock’ (4.31%).

Source: OBR Long-term economic determinants - March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlook

The Department holds information on individuals' National Insurance contribution records, including qualifying years relevant to State Pension entitlement. DWP has made no assessment of the savings arising from increasing the number of qualifying years required for a full State Pension from 35 to 48.

The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Act 2025 achieved Royal Assent on Tuesday 2 December 2025. The Act will help to address the significant challenge of public sector fraud and error, which costs the taxpayer billions of pounds annually.

The different measures contained in the Act are due to come into force across different dates between 2026 and 2029.

Whilst the Debt measures contained in the Act commenced in June 2026, the supporting regulations which will further develop the operational framework for the new recovery powers introduced in the Act will not come into force until October. As a result, to date, no driving licence disqualifications have yet been issued.

DWP’s spend on communications, marketing and advertising is an important part of our duty to inform the public about essential policies and services that support people, including some of the most vulnerable, in their daily lives.

Our campaigns reach key audiences effectively and communicate a range of DWP campaign messages. For example, the Pension Credit campaign which informs people about targeted financial support available. Employment campaigns support customers to take up work and training opportunities. The Tell DWP Campaign is designed to address fraud and error in the benefits system.

Without targeted campaigns, millions of citizens would miss out on services, rights, and support to which they are entitled.

In financial year 2024 -25 the Department spent £9.8m on marketing and advertising.

For financial year 2025-26 the data is not yet held by the Department, as the contract with the government’s media buying agency for the requested period has now ended.

Please note figures are rounded to nearest £0.1m.

The Government's monitoring and evaluation framework, and baseline report, commit to assessing how child poverty trends and experiences vary across different family types and demographic groups. Children aged under five are an important group of interest, as set out in the Strategy’s evidence pack, and will continue to be considered within the Government's ongoing monitoring and analysis of child poverty outcomes.

The Government recognises the importance of the early years in shaping children's outcomes and life chances. This is why supporting children to have the best start in life is central to the Government's approach to tackling child poverty.

Our wider support for families with young children includes investing over £900 million in Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies, bringing together health, parenting support and early years services in a more connected, place-based model of support for families. Best Start Family Hubs focus on pregnancy and the early years, including the critical 1,001 days from conception to age two, helping ensure that babies, young children and their parents can access support at the earliest opportunity.

Details of enforcement notices served HSE are available through this public register:

Find an improvement or prohibition notice - HSE

The Department recognises that response times to hon. Members’ enquiries on behalf of constituents have not been consistently adequate in recent months, as higher complaint volumes and increasingly complex cases have affected our response times. The Department is actively addressing these pressures and driving improvements in both timeliness and efficiency.

The Department is taking urgent action to improve complaint handling and response times, with a clear focus on resolving issues as quickly as possible, including at the earliest point of contact where appropriate.

To support this, we have deployed additional resources to complaints and correspondence teams and prioritised activity to strengthen performance monitoring and improve timeliness. We have introduced enhanced senior oversight and improved case management processes to support faster, more consistent responses.

Where a complaint requires formal investigation, the Department’s service standard aims to provide a full response within 15 working days. More complex cases may take longer; however, the Department seeks to keep customers informed of progress and expected timescales. CMS continues to investigate the case, and an update was provided to the hon. Member on 1 September 2026 outlining the current position.

The Department is clear that hon. Members must be able to rely on timely and accurate information when representing their constituents. Improving response times remains a key operational priority, and these measures are intended to deliver a more timely and efficient service for customers and hon. Members alike.

With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, supporting almost one million young people and creating up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

This includes the expansion of Youth Hubs across Great Britain. As of 16 September 2026, there are 9 Youth Hubs open in Scotland with a further 19 planned to open by 2029. This investment also supports the introduction of a new Youth Guarantee Gateway in Jobcentres, to provide earlier and more intensive support to 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit.

Our investment will create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn including 300,000 additional opportunities to gain workplace experience and training and up to 200,000 additional employment opportunities, through a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers hiring 18–24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for over six months, and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, which is available in Central and East Scotland, rolling out nationally from November 2026. All young people in Scotland who meet the eligibility criteria will be offered the relevant support.

The previous government committed to bring forward the rise in the State Pension age to 68 between 2037 and 2039.

The first chance this government will have to consider this issue will be via the State Pension age Review.

The previous government committed to bring forward the rise in the State Pension age to 68 between 2037 and 2039.

The first chance this government will have to consider this issue will be via the State Pension age Review.

For those living with terminal illness, the Government believes it is compassionate and appropriate to allow access to private pension savings. While the intent of the current rules is to provide flexibility while keeping in place important safeguards to avoid risk of error and misuse, the Government recognises that the permissive nature of these rules means some individuals may have different experiences with access, depending on their scheme. We are engaging with a range of stakeholders on this important matter and will provide an update in due course. We would be happy to hear from pension members and stakeholders about their experiences.

This Government is committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential and succeed in work.

The lower rate of the Universal Credit standard allowance for customers under 25 is designed to maintain the incentive for young people to enter, remain in and progress in work, complemented by the employment support we provide to help young people develop their skills and build successful careers. The lower rate also reflects that the majority of young people live in someone else’s household and are therefore likely to have lower living costs.

Where young people do live independently or have extra living costs, Universal Credit provides additional support for eligible customers, including help with the cost of housing, children, childcare, disability-related needs, and caring responsibilities.