Jonathan Ashworth reacts to the latest ONS labour market statistics

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary,commenting on the latest ONS labour market statistics, said:

“Today’s figures show the Tories are totally bereft of ideas when it comes to tackling the cost of living crisis, growing the economy and supporting people into work.

“Real wages are plummeting, almost two and a half million people are out of work because of sickness and far too many people – especially the over 50s – aren’t getting the support they need to either stay in work or to go back to work.

“Labour has the ideas to get Britain working again. Our reform plan will localise employment support, open up Jobcentres, target help to the over 50s, provide specialist support for those with ill health and make sure that work pays.”