Commons Sense

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Incentivising Return to the Labour Market 2023-01-23

2023-01-23

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Chloe Smith
▸ Context
9 million people are economically inactive, prompting a review of economic inactivity measures.
What steps is the Department taking to incentivise people to return to the labour market given that 9 million people are economically inactive?
Mel Stride
I am currently reviewing economic inactivity and will come back to the House with various measures. The current number of 9 million people who are economically inactive is not satisfactory.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timeline for addressing economic inactivity was not provided, only a general review mentioned.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Chloe Smith
▸ Context
Current health and disability benefits can pose financial disincentives for people with long-term conditions to try work.
Does the current review agree that health and disability benefits can create a financial disincentive against trying work, and should we look at providing better support?
Mel Stride
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that the review acknowledges financial disincentives created by current health and disability benefits, and focuses on what disabled people can do rather than what they cannot do. This will be a key aspect of the White Paper.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific changes to health and disability benefits were not committed to, only agreement that it needs consideration.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
John Spellar
▸ Context
Private Member's Bill aims to address the issue of employers valuing experience over qualifications for older people.
Will the Secretary of State consider taking up a private Member's Bill, the Employment (Application Requirements) Bill, which addresses the issue of employers not insisting on degrees and A-levels unless strictly relevant?
Mel Stride
I would be happy to look at the right hon. Gentleman's private Member's Bill. Employers must see disabled people with their abilities and contributions in mind, which is why we promote Disability Confident and have many work coaches up and down the country focusing on this.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Commitment to look at the bill was given but no specific timeline or action beyond general support for disability initiatives.
Under Review
Response accuracy