Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Colvile and Jo Swinson

Thursday 26th February 2015 Commons Chamber

[Jo Swinson]

I wholeheartedly endorse the speech by Patricia Arquette—I have already welcomed it on Twitter because I think it needed to be brought to a wider audience. In the UK arts industry, as in all industries, it is important that there be greater transparency and support for women in the workplace in terms of promotion and seniority. That is what we will continue to promote.

[Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Con)]

I am sure that like me my hon. Friend is pleased that the Work programme is helping the long-term unemployed, both men and women, back into work. Will she confirm that the number of long-term unemployed people has fallen to its lowest in five years and that the claimant count in my constituency has fallen by 42%?