VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Machinery of Government – Skills

Written ministerial statementMade by Sir Keir StarmerPrime MinisterPrime MinisterHCWS930

I am making this statement to bring to the House’s attention the following Machinery of Government change.

I am today confirming that responsibility for apprenticeships, adult further education, skills, training and careers, and Skills England, will move from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Responsibility for higher education, and further education, skills, training and careers for those aged 19 years and under will remain with the Department for Education.

Baroness Smith of Malvern, the Minister for Skills, will serve jointly across the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education.

This change is effective today, 16 September 2025.

Open this statement in Verbatim →

Every statement laid before the House

Written statements are how departments announce things without being asked a question. Verbatim carries all of them, searchable alongside the spoken record.

Browse written statements →Read on Verbatim