Labour Market Inactivity 2023-09-04
2023-09-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The government's policies on reducing economic inactivity in the labour market are under scrutiny due to recent assessments.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of its policies on reducing the level of inactivity in the labour market?
We are doing a great deal to bear down on economic inactivity. As of August this year, over half the increase in economic activity that occurred during the pandemic has since unwound, representing more than 300,000 people into work.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a direct assessment of policy adequacy but rather discusses actions taken and figures related to employment recovery.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State's comments about unemployed over-50s suggested that they should consider becoming delivery riders, which is seen as a lack of support for stable employment.
Rather than glorifying precarious work in the gig economy, will he commit to rolling out a plan that gives older workers the dignity, respect and support they deserve to rejoin the workforce?
We are doing a huge amount to support those over 50 who have retired prematurely, including the midlife MOT, returnerships and tax changes around pensions. We will continue to support people.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not commit to rolling out a specific plan but acknowledges existing initiatives.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Centre for Progressive Change produced a report that has support from Members across the House, advocating for improved sick pay to help people return to work and grow the economy.
Will my right hon. Friend meet me and my right hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel), who has also supported it, to look at the proposals made by the Centre for Progressive Change so that we can really help to improve sick pay?
I would be very happy for either myself or the relevant Minister to meet my hon. Friend or my right hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel).
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Office for National Statistics reports a large fall in the number of people moving from economic inactivity into employment and an increase in net movement from employment to economic inactivity, raising concerns about government priorities.
What assessment has he made of why there is a large fall in the number of people moving from economic inactivity into employment and a net movement from employment to economic inactivity?
My assessment of economic inactivity is that it is falling; it has fallen by around 350,000 or more since its peak during the pandemic. That leaves us below the average rate of economic inactivity across the G7, the European Union and the OECD.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a detailed assessment of why there is a fall in people moving out of inactivity or an increase in those moving from employment to inactivity.
Response accuracy