Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jackie Doyle-Price and Danny Alexander

Tuesday 9th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con)]

7. What recent estimate he has made of the level of employment.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander)]

I am pleased to tell the House that employment is at its highest-ever level in this country with 30.8 million people in work. Since the coalition came to power, employment has increased by more than 1.7 million, meaning that on average an extra person has become employed every 80 seconds since the Government were formed in 2010. Last week the Office for Budget Responsibility published its latest forecast, estimating that an extra million people will be in work by 2019.

[Jackie Doyle-Price]

The Government can be proud of creating on average 1,000 jobs a day. That is not just a number; it is more people with the security of a job and a regular pay packet. Will my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents in Thurrock that we will stick to the policies that are creating record numbers of people in work?

[Danny Alexander]

My hon. Friend is right. It is incredibly important that we create jobs in this country as that is providing opportunities and incomes for people who did not have one previously. The Government should be proud of that. Today the 2 millionth apprentice has been recruited under this Government, and the young lady, Paige McConville of Oxford, will meet the Business Secretary to highlight that achievement.