Committee publication · Correspondence · 8 July 2026
Correspondence with the Minister for Employment, relating to the creation of the new Jobs and Careers Service
Summary
Committee Chair Debbie Abrahams writes to Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson requesting urgent clarification on plans for integrating the National Careers Service into a new Jobs and Careers Service launching 1 October 2026. The letter raises concerns about delayed transition planning, workforce uncertainty, and lack of detail on service delivery models, staff training, and performance measurement. The Minister responds with an embargoed update report and detailed answers on service continuity, workforce integration, IT arrangements, and evaluation strategy.
Key findings
- The transition plan deadline (mid-May 2026) was missed; the Committee Chair reports no published plan beyond confirmation NCS contracts will not be renewed
- Minister confirms service user access will not fundamentally change: 0800 telephone number and website remain available, plus new CV builder and AI Powered Work Assistant
- Hundreds of NCS colleagues will transfer to civil service from 1 October; DWP is managing transfer via contractors and employee representatives under TUPE legislation, with fortnightly HR working parties
- NCS IT systems will not transfer to DWP; Department for Education retains customer data for seven years; essential colleague information migrates to DWP from 1 October
- Government committed to publishing JCS update report, literature review on employment support evidence, and Evaluation Strategy on GOV.UK 2 July 2026
Tone
CriticalTopics
Key actors
Debbie Abrahams MP, Dame Diana Johnson MP, Work and Pensions Committee, Department for Work and Pensions, National Careers Service, Department for Education, HM Treasury
Notable line
“This is a major change to a frontline public service that is used by millions of people each month.”
Key Quotes
“This is a major change to a frontline public service that is used by millions of people each month. I am deeply concerned by the lack of detailed information there is about the transition to the new service.”
“Not only are their businesses about to be completely upended, with some closing down, but their staff still face deep uncertainty about their futures. These are experienced careers advisors, with deep and effective community connections.”
“Given the importance of this process, we have been taking the time to work carefully through the detail so that we get this right.”
“Access for users will not fundamentally change from 1 October 2026. The 0800 telephone number will still be available as will the website content.”
“We are committed to managing the transition carefully and transparently for our colleagues. Our initial focus from 1 October will be on ensuring continuity of service as we onboard and induct hundreds of colleagues into the civil service.”
“This approach reflects our commitment to meeting our statutory obligations under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) legislation, ensuring that consultation and engagement are carried out appropriately through recognised employer channels.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗