Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Employment Levels

Monday 13 May 2024 · 3 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

  • Ministerial plans include incentives and practical actions to increase employment levels.
  • James Morris highlighted the success of jobs fairs in reducing unemployment in his constituency.
  • Tim Farron raised concerns about workforce shortages rather than unemployment in his region.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Morris Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses the current employment situation with near-record levels of employment but seeks further actions to ensure that work continues to pay off for individuals and encourages local initiatives.

Question

What plans does he have to increase levels of employment. We are at a near record level of employment and very low levels of unemployment, but more needs to be done to make sure people get back into work with incentives in place and through practical actions such as jobs fairs.

Answer from Mel Stride

I congratulate my hon. Friend on the reduction in claimants in his constituency, which is due to excellent jobs fairs he organises with the DWP, Halesowen College and the business improvement district. He is right that work should pay; universal credit ensures this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide new plans or commitments for further incentives or local actions beyond recognising existing initiatives.

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Q2 James Morris Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question references the reduction in unemployment claimants and highlights the success of local jobs fairs organised by the MP, seeking acknowledgment from the Secretary of State.

Question

He congratulated me on the reduction in number of claimants in my constituency due to excellent jobs fairs I organise with DWP, Halesowen College, and BID. Does he agree that work should pay and local actions like these make a difference?

Answer from Mel Stride

I congratulate my hon. Friend on the reduction in claimants in his constituency, which is due to excellent jobs fairs he organises with DWP, Halesowen College and BID. He is right that work should pay; universal credit ensures this.

Answered
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Q3 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Immigration Employment
Context

The MP pays tribute to a former colleague and raises concerns about workforce shortages in tourism due to high visitor numbers and low local employment rates, asking if discussions can be held with the European Commission regarding a youth mobility visa scheme.

Question

I add to the tribute paid by my hon. Friend to Colin Breed for his service. My region faces a lack of workforce rather than unemployment; Lake District has 20 million visitors annually and an employed population, mostly in hospitality and tourism. Can he say yes at least to discussions with EC on youth mobility visa programme between UK and Europe?

Answer from Mel Stride

The Government have not pursued the scheme, but they take the issue seriously. They offer extensive training such as SWAPs and WorkWell provision rolled out by my hon. Friend the Minister for Employment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to discussions with EC on a youth mobility visa programme despite recognising workforce issues.

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