Context
The MP noted concerns about job trends in his constituency, highlighting that businesses report increased costs under the current government have affected their ability to recruit.
Question
What recent assessment has been made of trends in the level of job opportunities in rural areas? The picture painted by the Minister does not reflect my constituents' experiences. Rural unemployment is up and business costs have risen, impacting recruitment efforts.
Answer from Diana R. Johnson
The employment rate in rural areas stands at 78.4%, compared with 74.8% in urban areas, with job opportunities in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and scientific and technical sectors. Economic inactivity among people aged 16 and over has decreased by 0.8%. Under this Government, the number of jobs in agriculture has risen by 5,000 compared to a decline under the previous government.
Not addressed: The MP's specific concerns about increased costs impacting recruitment were not directly addressed.
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