To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had recently with employers to discuss the Government's employment programmes.

Since June of this year we have met with key employer organisations and many individual employers. Their input is central to the development of our employment policies and to ensuring that our employment programmes meet local labour market needs and employers' recruitment needs.

We have also created the National Employment Panel to ensure that employers, and other key customers, have a strong and permanent voice within the Department. The panel is an employer-led body that will provide independent advice on the design, delivery and performance of our welfare to work initiatives.

Employers have a central role to play in achieving our goal of creating and sustaining employment opportunities for all.