Employment figures “best in history”
The government’s employment record is the “best in history”, Gordon Brown told MPs today.
The prime minister was addressing the Commons after the latest employment statistics showed a total of 29.36 million people are now in work.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen for the 15th consecutive month to 807,000, bringing it down to the lowest level for 30 years.
The ILO unemployment rate stands at 5.3 per cent, which the government claims is also “historically low”.
Some 15.9 per cent of the population, excluding students, are now classed as economically inactive, with the number of people claiming incapacity benefit in decline.
Publishing the results today, employment minister Caroline Flint said: “I’m pleased to see these figures showing growth in employment for both younger and older workers alike – with 60,000 more 16-24 year olds and 95,000 more people over 50 in work than in the last quarter.
“With record numbers of vacancies in the economy the opportunities exist for people to make the most of their skills and talents.”
However, the Conservatives attacked the government’s record, claiming those in work are now struggling to make ends meet.
The ONS figures show earnings growth, excluding bonuses, stood at 3.6 per cent in November.
Yesterday the ONS revealed the retail price index measure stands at four per cent.
This, the Conservatives point out, means earnings growth is falling behind inflation.
Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Philip Hammond said: “These figures will make grim reading for hard-working people across Britain.
“With real incomes continuing to fall and food price inflation at record levels, 2008 is set to be a lean year for many families as they struggle to make ends meet.”
Mr Brown is keen for people to focus on the consumer price index (CPI), which puts inflation at 2.1 per cent.
Speaking during prime minister’s questions today, Mr Brown accepted that petrol, energy and food are becoming more expensive, but it was testament to Britain’s anti-inflationary measures that CPI inflation still stands close to target.
