Coronavirus Employment 2020-07-07
2020-07-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The UK is facing a severe economic recession due to the coronavirus outbreak, alongside a climate crisis.
We are facing the worst economic recession in history and a climate crisis. Despite the warm words yesterday, the green finance announcement does not go far enough. Germany is investing between £40 billion and £50 billion, France £13.5 billion and South Korea £11.5 billion, so £3 billion just does not cut it. Given that half a million 16 to 24-year-olds are currently unemployed, will the Chancellor commit to properly financing a green jobs guarantee to give our young people a future?
The hon. Lady mentioned plans from other countries. It is worth bearing in mind that those plans relate to spending commitments over many years and are actually better compared with what we outlined at Budget, where we set out a £600 billion investment programme over the remainder of this Parliament, including many initiatives such as carbon capture and storage, the nature for climate fund and improvements in air quality. Conservative Members wholeheartedly believe in a green revolution, and we will provide the capital to make that happen.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
9,000 UK jobs in the aerospace industry are at risk. Foreign countries have implemented support programmes for their respective industries.
What package will the Chancellor provide to secure and safeguard the future of the UK's export-focused, high-wage, highly skilled aerospace sector?
Interventions abroad were specific to certain companies, making it inappropriate for me to comment on them here. The UK's support includes subsidising bus and rail networks to ensure connectivity during the crisis.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Long-term package for aerospace sector
Refused To Comment On Foreign Interventions
Redirected Focus To Uk'S General Support Measures
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The furlough scheme is being phased out, yet some sectors like hospitality are still struggling.
Will the Government abandon their one-size-fits-all approach to wind down the furlough and self-employment support schemes, adopting a targeted strategy that recognises the unique challenges faced by sectors like hotel workers, chefs, and lighting technicians?
The priority is to safely reopen all sectors. We have met targets set in our reopening plan, and remaining closed sectors will be reopened soon. Extra support has been provided through business rates holidays and cash grants.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Targeted strategy for different sectors
Focused On Safe Reopening
Highlighted Existing Support Measures
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Many job losses have been announced, particularly affecting young people in a challenging labour market due to social distancing rules.
Does the Chancellor accept the need for targeted employment support for sectors most likely to face job losses as social distancing measures continue?
Calls for sector-specific approaches are often vague on definitions. The Government's priority is broad, generous coverage to protect 9 million jobs and reopening sectors to return people to work as quickly as possible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Sector-specific support
Questioned The Feasibility Of Sector-Specific Approaches
Emphasised General Job Protection Measures
Response accuracy