Unemployment Levels Towns and Cities 2023-03-06
2023-03-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the current estimate of unemployment levels in various urban areas, citing concerns over employment statistics.
What estimate he has made of levels of unemployment in towns and cities. The January Office for National Statistics labour market statistics publication shows that payroll employment reached a new record high of 30 million in January 2023, which is higher than at any stage under the last Labour Government.
The January Office for National Statistics labour market statistics publication shows that payroll employment reached a new record high of 30 million in January 2023. That is, of course, higher than at any stage under the last, or any, Labour Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Estimate of unemployment levels
Under Review
Looking At This
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about barriers to employment, especially for young people in Blackburn, citing specific statistics on the claimant count among 18-24 year-olds. She also questioned the effectiveness of government initiatives like childcare support and apprenticeship schemes.
We hear of a record number of vacancies, yet so many who are looking to get into work are out of work. In Blackburn, the claimant count among 18 to 24-year-olds is at 7.9%, against a national rate of 4.6%. What is the Minister doing to bring down barriers to work such as unaffordable childcare, transport, a failed apprenticeship scheme and a levelling-up agenda that is just not meeting the skills agenda?
The hon. Lady should be aware that last Tuesday there was a jobs fair in her constituency. There were 59 exhibitors, and 900 customers attended the event. They provided fantastic feedback on the support and interventions given. If she did not attend that particular jobs fair, she might want to go to “March into manufacturing” on 21 March, an upcoming jobs fair in her patch.
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Assessment & feedback
Barriers to work such as childcare and transport
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised a non-political point about reducing unemployment, challenging the opposition's policies and questioning whether every Labour Government left unemployment higher than when they came to office.
We started the sitting with a non-party political point, so may I continue in that mode? I absolutely agree that those on the Opposition Benches want to reduce the level of unemployment. Unfortunately, their policies do not follow. Does the Minister agree that every single Labour Government have left unemployment higher than when they came to office?
Yes.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about Labour Government's impact
Too Brief
Response accuracy