Jonathan Ashworth comments on the ONS’s analysis of people out of the labour force because of long-term sickness

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary,commenting on the ONS’s analysis of people out of the labour force because of long-term sickness, said:

“The Tories have crashed the economy, failed to tackle record NHS waiting lists and – in the absence of proper jobs support – left two and a half million people too sick to work and written off. 

"The numbers claiming out of work benefits has rocketed, yet thousands would return to a job with the right tailored help.

“Labour will bring stability to the economy and a real plan for economic growth, including reforming jobs support for the economically inactive as we target the highest employment rate in the G7.”

Ends

Notes

The ONS analysis can be found here:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/economicinactivity/articles/halfamillionmorepeopleareoutofthelabourforcebecauseoflongtermsickness/2022-11-10