Employment Levels 2024-05-13
2024-05-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the current employment situation with near-record levels of employment but seeks further actions to ensure that work continues to pay off for individuals and encourages local initiatives.
What plans does he have to increase levels of employment. We are at a near record level of employment and very low levels of unemployment, but more needs to be done to make sure people get back into work with incentives in place and through practical actions such as jobs fairs.
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the reduction in claimants in his constituency, which is due to excellent jobs fairs he organises with the DWP, Halesowen College and the business improvement district. He is right that work should pay; universal credit ensures this.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide new plans or commitments for further incentives or local actions beyond recognising existing initiatives.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question references the reduction in unemployment claimants and highlights the success of local jobs fairs organised by the MP, seeking acknowledgment from the Secretary of State.
He congratulated me on the reduction in number of claimants in my constituency due to excellent jobs fairs I organise with DWP, Halesowen College, and BID. Does he agree that work should pay and local actions like these make a difference?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the reduction in claimants in his constituency, which is due to excellent jobs fairs he organises with DWP, Halesowen College and BID. He is right that work should pay; universal credit ensures this.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP pays tribute to a former colleague and raises concerns about workforce shortages in tourism due to high visitor numbers and low local employment rates, asking if discussions can be held with the European Commission regarding a youth mobility visa scheme.
I add to the tribute paid by my hon. Friend to Colin Breed for his service. My region faces a lack of workforce rather than unemployment; Lake District has 20 million visitors annually and an employed population, mostly in hospitality and tourism. Can he say yes at least to discussions with EC on youth mobility visa programme between UK and Europe?
The Government have not pursued the scheme, but they take the issue seriously. They offer extensive training such as SWAPs and WorkWell provision rolled out by my hon. Friend the Minister for Employment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to discussions with EC on a youth mobility visa programme despite recognising workforce issues.
Response accuracy