Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Unemployment

Monday 27 April 2026 · 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 latest figures show a fall in unemployment to 4.9% in February.
  • A successful jobs fair was recently held, and 330,000 more people are employed this year compared to last year.
  • The current government is implementing a youth guarantee offering training, work experience, and hiring incentives for businesses to create opportunities for young people.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Economy Employment Energy
Context

The question comes in response to the publication of unemployment figures showing a fall to 4.9% in February, amid economic growth at 0.5%. However, concerns arise about external factors such as the war in Iran and rising energy prices potentially impacting jobs.

Question

What assessment has been made of trends in the level of unemployment?

Answer from Pat McFadden

The latest figures show a fall to 4.9% in February and growth at 0.5%, indicating positive economic direction. However, external factors like the war in Iran and rising energy prices may affect jobs and prices in coming months.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Employment
Context

The MP notes the importance of the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry in Fylde but reports businesses letting go of young staff due to changes in national insurance. He seeks information on trends in unemployment for 18 to 24-year-olds.

Question

Could the Secretary of State update the House on current trends of unemployment among 18 to 24-year-olds?

Answer from Pat McFadden

A successful jobs fair was recently held in the constituency, where many industries were hiring. Additionally, 330,000 more people are employed this year compared to last year. Young employees under 21 have a national insurance exemption.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Trends of unemployment among young people specifically

How: Success At Jobs Fair, National Insurance Exemption

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Q3 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Employment
Context

The MP highlights the rise in NEETs by nearly 250,000 between 2021 and 2024. He mentions support through the youth guarantee but asks for further measures addressing the decade-long trend of growing youth unemployment.

Question

Will the Secretary of State please explain the measures his Department is taking to address the decade-long trend of growing youth unemployment?

Answer from Pat McFadden

The number of young people not in education, employment or training rose during the previous Government's term. The current government is implementing a youth guarantee offering training, work experience, and hiring incentives for small and medium-sized employers to create regular jobs and apprenticeships.

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Q4 Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
Employment
Context

The MP expresses disappointment in the Secretary of State's previous response regarding youth unemployment. She cites a 14.3% rate for 18 to 24-year-olds, with fewer jobs and vacancies under the current government. The MP argues that businesses create jobs, not governments.

Question

Will he help the Chancellor understand before it is too late?

Answer from Pat McFadden

Youth unemployment never recovered to levels enjoyed under Labour. The current government responds with initiatives like the youth guarantee offering training, work experience and hiring incentives for businesses to create opportunities for young people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures addressing issues affecting youth unemployment

How: Youth Unemployment Levels, Initiatives

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