Liz Kendall responds to ONS labour market statistics

Liz Kendall MP, Labour's Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to the labour market statistics published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, said:

"These figures confirm once again that the Tories' dismal mismanagement of our economy is failing Britain.

"On the Government's watch, the rate of employment is still not back to pre-pandemic levels and the number of people stuck out of work due to long-term sickness remains at a record high.

"Labour has a plan to grow the economy, bring the benefits bill down and get Britain working. We will tackle the root causes of economic inactivity by driving down NHS waiting lists, reforming social security, making work pay and supporting people into good jobs across every part of the country. Real opportunities matched by the responsibility to take them up – because that's what fairness is all about."