Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Labour Market Inactivity

Monday 4 September 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department is assessing the adequacy of its policies on reducing labour market inactivity.
  • The government supports older workers through initiatives like the midlife MOT and returnerships.
  • Economic inactivity has fallen by around 350,000 since reaching a peak during the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment
Context

The government's policies on reducing economic inactivity in the labour market are under scrutiny due to recent assessments.

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of its policies on reducing the level of inactivity in the labour market?

Answer from Mel Stride

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a direct assessment of policy adequacy but rather discusses actions taken and figures related to employment recovery.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mel Stride

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not commit to rolling out a specific plan but acknowledges existing initiatives.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Jonathan Gullis
Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mel Stride

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).

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Karen Buck Lab
Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mel Stride

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: 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.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email