14000 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

14000 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What progress has been made, if any, since the Employment Action Plan was published in August 2024 on the Plan's action 3 to identify medium to long-term work to reduce persistent disadvantage?

Hon Louise Upston: Following the publication of this Government’s Going for Growth strategy (GFG) in February 2025, priorities from the previous Employment Action Plan were streamlined into the Developing Talent pillar of GFG. The GFG action is to explore system changes that focus on key life stages where timely interventions can improve employment outcomes for young people at risk of persistent disadvantage. I have received advice on potential medium and long-term opportunities to reduce persistent disadvantage that could be explored as part of a future work programme. Current work is focussed on options to address persistent disadvantage through supporting young people’s transition from education to employment.