Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Labour Market

Wednesday 28 June 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Stevenson inquired about the strength of the Scottish labour market, and the Minister noted resilience despite global challenges, with unemployment at a near-record low of 3.1%.
  • The Minister emphasized the importance of a skilled workforce and investment for economic growth, mentioning the UK Internal Market Act to ensure frictionless trade across the UK.
  • Pete Wishart questioned the benefits of ending freedom of movement to the labour market, and the Minister responded by pointing out record immigration into the UK over the past two years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Stevenson Con
Economy Employment Scotland
Context

The MP asks about the current state of Scotland's job market amid global challenges.

Question

What recent assessment he has made of the strength of the labour market in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

I am encouraged by the resilience that the Scottish labour market has shown, despite global issues still causing significant economic challenges. The latest official figures show that Scottish unemployment is close to a record low at 3.1%. I welcome that fact.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 John Stevenson Con
Economy Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP raises concerns about the need for a skilled workforce and minimal economic friction across borders.

Question

If we are to grow the Scottish economy as well as the national one, it is vital that we have a skilled workforce and the right level of investment. It is also important for areas such as the Borders, between Scotland and England, to have the least friction in trade and labour market conditions. Does the Secretary of State agree that politicians of all persuasions have a responsibility to ensure maximum opportunities on whichever side of the border, to ensure the least amount of friction, particularly for those looking for employment?

Answer from Alister Jack

I agree. That is exactly why this Government introduced the United Kingdom Internal Market Act (2020): to protect frictionless trade across the UK. On maximising opportunities on whichever side of the border, it is a matter of some regret that Scotland is the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked if there was agreement on minimizing economic friction to maximize employment opportunities; the answer only partially addresses this by mentioning the Act but shifts focus to tax issues in Scotland.

How: Shifting Focus

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Immigration Brexit
Context

The MP questions the Secretary of State about benefits to hospitality and tourism sectors due to restrictions on immigration.

Question

The Secretary of State and I represent large, rural constituencies with large hospitality and tourism sectors. Will he therefore name one benefit that ending freedom of movement has brought to the labour market in either sector?

Answer from Alister Jack

The Scottish National party likes to blame everything on Brexit, but for the past two years we have had record immigration into the United Kingdom. That is a simple fact—record numbers since immigration figures began.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific benefits; the answer does not address this directly and instead attacks the opposition's stance on blaming everything on Brexit.

How: Attack

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Scotland
Context

The MP reminisces about Winnie Ewing's political career and asks if the prospect of another independence referendum would harm Scotland's labour market.

Question

I had the pleasure and privilege of being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 alongside Winnie Ewing. She was undoubtedly an iconic figure of modern Scottish politics, from the Hamilton by-election to Madame Écosse and the opening of the Scottish Parliament. I always found her to be kind and sympathetic to new Members, and she always had the best stories. May she rest in peace.<br/>Does my right hon. Friend agree that the one thing that will reduce confidence in the Scottish labour market is the prospect of another independence referendum—real or de facto?

Answer from Alister Jack

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Business does not like uncertainty, and the constant harping on about independence is causing uncertainty among business. The devolved Administration in Scotland should focus on the things that they were set up to do: education standards, the health service, drug deaths and getting some ferries rather than trying to create the island clearances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about reducing confidence due to an independence referendum; the answer partially addresses this by mentioning uncertainty but then shifts focus to other issues that should be addressed.

How: Shifting Focus

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email