Unemployment Trends 2025-03-17
2025-03-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the increase in unemployment figures in Basildon and Billericay compared to last year, with a focus on young people under 25.
Compared with this time last year, almost 500 more people are on the claimant count in Basildon and Billericay. Almost 100 of those are under 25. How many more will have to be made unemployed before Labour Ministers listen to charities, GPs, supermarkets, manufacturers and care providers? They visited me in my constituency and said that Labour needs to think again about its catastrophic national insurance rise which, before it even hits in April, is already costing the jobs of my constituents.
We have a significant reform plan to make sure that we tailor jobcentre support towards the needs of employers, because there is still a significant number of vacancies out there that young people should be making the most of to start their career and progress in life. That is why we have a new employer strategy, so that the Department for Work and Pensions can serve businesses properly.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific impact of national insurance rise on job losses was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the barriers faced by disabled individuals in securing employment and calls for investment rather than benefit cuts.
Disabled people often face additional barriers when trying to get back into work. Does the Minister acknowledge that rather than freezing or cutting their benefits, we will need to invest in those people to help them back into work and to sustain them there?
Yes, I do agree. We see potential in every single person in the country, and many of those who have been written off and left on the scrapheap deserve a much better pathway back into work.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete plan or investment commitment was provided.
Response accuracy