Ill Health Economic Inactivity 2024-02-05
2024-02-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Member is concerned about the significant costs related to long-term sickness and illness rates.
What steps are being taken by the Department to reduce labour inactivity, given that there are significant costs related to an increase in long-term sickness and illness rates?
The Government has a £2.5 billion back to work plan aimed at helping 600,000 disabled people and those with health conditions start and stay in work, which has seen economic inactivity reduce by 330,000 since the pandemic peak.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Member points out that NHS waiting lists are at 7.8 million, with more than 177,000 people on waiting lists in his area, leading to a record 2.8 million people out of work due to ill health.
Does the Minister accept that this Government's failure on the NHS is stymying economic growth and costing taxpayers billions of pounds?
The Government has made progress in reducing two-year waiting lists almost entirely, and those with 18-month waits have been significantly reduced. The WorkWell service is being rolled out to integrate medical input and work coach support, along with fit note reform to assist at an earlier stage of the journey.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not fully address economic growth and taxpayer costs issues
On Nhs Waiting Lists
All Those Things Are Moving Towards Getting More People Into Work, Which Is Good For Their Health
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Member thanks the team in Barrow and Furness for working with local employers and skills providers to help those who could contribute to the labour market do so.
Will the Minister pass my thanks on to his teams in Barrow, and will he visit to see their good work?
The Minister acknowledges all the good work happening in the constituency and expresses willingness for a visit, but notes that an Employment Minister might also be keen to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not commit to visiting specifically
I Would Certainly Like To Consider That
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The Member highlights Burnley and Padiham's potential as a manufacturing powerhouse but notes stubborn levels of economic inactivity among people who could contribute to economic growth.
What more can be done to help those people, especially through joining up Departments for areas with structural problems like Burnley?
The Government has announced a doubling of universal support and WorkWell services, along with fit note system reforms. Economic inactivity is down by 268,000 on the year, a reduction of over half since its peak during the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy