Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Monday 7th January 2019

(5 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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As I said in answer to an earlier question, 75% of the jobs created since 2010 are indeed in high-level occupations which attract higher wages, but of course we need to do more and that is why the Government are investing in apprenticeships for both young and more mature workers. We are also investing in a national retraining scheme and technical skills. That is what is going to create support for individuals looking for jobs in the market right now.

Julian Lewis Portrait Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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How do our low unemployment levels compare with those of France and other countries unfortunate enough to be trapped in the eurozone?

Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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That is a typically forthright question from my right hon. Friend. To compare rates, in France the unemployment rate is over 9% I believe, but of course the other incredibly important progress we have made is in youth unemployment. That has been almost halved since 2010, thanks to the work we have been doing in government.