Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ill Health: Economic Inactivity

Monday 5 February 2024 · 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 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government has a 2.5 billion back to work plan to help 600,000 disabled people and those with health conditions start and stay in work.
  • The Government reports progress in reducing two-year waiting lists almost entirely and significant reductions in 18-month waits.
  • The Government announces a doubling of universal support and WorkWell services, along with fit note system reforms.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Antony Higginbotham
Employment
Context

The Member is concerned about the significant costs related to long-term sickness and illness rates.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Department to reduce labour inactivity, given that there are significant costs related to an increase in long-term sickness and illness rates?

Answer from Mel Stride

The Government has a £2.5 billion back to work plan aimed at helping 600,000 disabled people and those with health conditions start and stay in work, which has seen economic inactivity reduce by 330,000 since the pandemic peak.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Western Lab Stretford and Urmston
NHS Economy
Context

The Member points out that NHS waiting lists are at 7.8 million, with more than 177,000 people on waiting lists in his area, leading to a record 2.8 million people out of work due to ill health.

Question

Does the Minister accept that this Government's failure on the NHS is stymying economic growth and costing taxpayers billions of pounds?

Answer from Mel Stride

The Government has made progress in reducing two-year waiting lists almost entirely, and those with 18-month waits have been significantly reduced. The WorkWell service is being rolled out to integrate medical input and work coach support, along with fit note reform to assist at an earlier stage of the journey.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not fully address economic growth and taxpayer costs issues

How: On Nhs Waiting Lists, All Those Things Are Moving Towards Getting More People Into Work, Which Is Good For Their Health

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Q3 Simon Fell
Employment
Context

The Member thanks the team in Barrow and Furness for working with local employers and skills providers to help those who could contribute to the labour market do so.

Question

Will the Minister pass my thanks on to his teams in Barrow, and will he visit to see their good work?

Answer from Mel Stride

The Minister acknowledges all the good work happening in the constituency and expresses willingness for a visit, but notes that an Employment Minister might also be keen to do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not commit to visiting specifically

How: I Would Certainly Like To Consider That

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Q4 Antony Higginbotham
Economy Employment
Context

The Member highlights Burnley and Padiham's potential as a manufacturing powerhouse but notes stubborn levels of economic inactivity among people who could contribute to economic growth.

Question

What more can be done to help those people, especially through joining up Departments for areas with structural problems like Burnley?

Answer from Mel Stride

The Government has announced a doubling of universal support and WorkWell services, along with fit note system reforms. Economic inactivity is down by 268,000 on the year, a reduction of over half since its peak during the pandemic.

Answered
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