Jonathan Ashworth responds to the latest ONS labour market statistics

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour's Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to the latest ONS labour market statistics, said:

“Work should be the best defence from the rising cost of living yet millions in work are in poverty, real wages are plummeting, the numbers in overall employment are below pre-pandemic levels, and the numbers on out of work benefits not looking for work is higher than pre-pandemic.

"With record vacancies in the labour market and inflation at the highest level for 40 years, ministers have shown utter complacency about the huge levels of economic inactivity.

“In contrast, Labour will reform employment support to help people return to work, tackle the rising the cost of living, and build a prosperous economy with quality well-paid jobs.”