Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Work and Pensions
David Amess
Main Page: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)Department Debates - View all David Amess's debates with the Department for Work and Pensions
(9 years ago)
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Priti Patel
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that there is more to do in this space. We have over 200,000 more people with disabilities in work than this time last year. We will build on that and continue to secure opportunities for autistic adults to get a job and remain in employment.
Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)
21. Is my hon. Friend aware of the dramatic fall in long-term unemployment in Southend West of 49%? Please will she reassure me that the Government will continue to pursue the economic policies that have made this happen so that we reach the happy position where there is a job available for everyone who wishes to work?
Priti Patel
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the record levels of employment in his wonderful constituency and across Essex, which is booming when it comes to private sector jobs. We can never be complacent. The claimant count has nearly halved since 2010, and it is encouraging that we see through our long-term economic plan, with more and more people in private sector employment than ever before.