Chloe comments on new CPS report

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, today commented on a new report published by the Centre for Policy Studies which claims that the UK has the highest rate of workless households of all major EU economies.

In this report ‘More Producers Needed: why tackling workless households can lead to growth' Peter Warburton, Director of Economic Perspectives, claims that 11.5% of all UK households are workless. This is the highest incidence of the six largest EU economies. He has also put forward a range of detailed policy proposals, including greater regional pay flexibility for public sector workers, the curtailment of benefits and the encouragement of households to find work in the private sector.

Commenting on the report and Peter Warburton's findings, Chloe said:

"This is a very concerning report and it raises some important issues. Most of all it highlights the very tough circumstances that would be suffered by any children living in these homes - over one in ten households in the UK.

"Last month's employment statistics showed that between May and July this year some 286,000 more people found employment. This was the largest rise in employment in Britain since records began. However, we must not get complacent. As this report demonstrates, there is still a lot to do and welfare reform must be a top priority.

"Last week the Minister for Employment announced further action that the government is taking to help those who are out of work. The Work Programme, an integrated package of support providing personalised help, is expected to be rolled out by summer next year and will provide far better support for jobseekers.

"Locally in Norwich I think we should continue to promote and encourage local enterprise and the creation of long-term sustainable jobs."