Oral Answers to Questions

David Burrowes Excerpts

Tuesday 4th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We have gone through a difficult period, but, as I said, that is

“a direct but delayed result of the 2008 recession”.

[Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con)]

16. What assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of employment.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrea Leadsom)]

A record 30.76 million people are in employment. Since the coalition came to power, employment has increased by more than 1.7 million. Over 2 million private sector jobs have been created since early 2010, meaning that for every public sector job lost, over five have been created in the private sector.

[Mr Burrowes]

Can the Minister help my constituents, who are pleased by the record number of people in jobs in my constituency but confused by the Leader of the Opposition’s claim that our plan would mean the loss of 1 million jobs, and concerned about the impact that Labour’s pledges of more spending, more borrowing and higher taxes would have on jobs in my constituency?

[Andrea Leadsom]

My hon. Friend is right to point out that irony. Under this Government, we have just seen the biggest drop in unemployment ever. In particular, long-term unemployment and youth unemployment are dropping fast, giving hope, prospects and a decent wage to so many in our country. We should be celebrating these things and definitely not letting Labour put them in jeopardy.