House of Commons · Ministers' Questions
Monday 31 October 2022 · 4 questions
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
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Unemployment is at a low of 3.5%, lowest in nearly 50 years.
Question
What steps he is taking to help more people enter the workforce?
Answer from Guy Opperman
Unemployment is at 3.5%. We have recruited an extra 13,000-plus job coaches and are rolling out our new in-work progression offer.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
Staff at Loughborough Jobcentre supporting small business owners and self-employed individuals.
Question
What steps is the Department for Work and Pensions taking across the country to help support small business owners and the growth of the self-employed?
Answer from Guy Opperman
Universal credit gives a 12-month start-up period for self-employed individuals to grow their earnings. This is believed to be the way forward.
Not addressed: Specific steps and actions taken across the country were not detailed.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
Vacancies exist in many industries, suggesting a need to ensure that work pays through the tax system.
Question
Will the Minister discuss with fellow Ministers in the Treasury more changes to the tax system to make sure that work does pay?
Answer from Guy Opperman
Working on changes, including reducing taper rate from 63% to 55%, additional work by job coaches, sector-based work academy and increased work allowance adding £1,000 for individuals.
Not addressed: Specific discussions with the Treasury or timeline were not provided.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
Many people are unable to return to work due to NHS backlogs and doctor retirements due to pension cap issues.
Question
When will the Government rectify the NHS backlog issue, allowing more doctors to stay in the profession, patients to get operations quickly and people to return to work?
Answer from Guy Opperman
The Treasury is looking at high earners' pension situation specifically. They will address it shortly.
Not addressed: Specific timeline or comprehensive plan for rectifying the issue was not provided.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
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