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<p>The latest official statistics show the current (February-April 2022) employment
level for West Midlands at 2.9 million – compared to 2.8 million in October-December
2019.</p><p>I trust that the following provides a comprehensive assessment and clarifies
my previous answers about employment levels in the UK.</p><p>Further to my letter
of 26 April 2022 to the Liaison Committee (a copy of which was placed in the Libraries
of the House) and the Committee’s letter of 20 May 2022 (a copy of which is available
on its website) concerning my previous answers to the House on this issue (<em>Official
Report contributions referenced in the letter of 20 May 2022; and also Official Report
1 December, column 911; 15 December, column 1052; and, 20 April, column 155</em>).</p><p>The
latest labour market statistics show that the total UK employment level is currently
at 32.7 million, compared to 32.9 million in October-December 2019.</p><p>They also
show that payroll employment, as a measure of people in work, is again at a record
high. It is now around 627,000 higher than before the pandemic. At the same time we
have seen significant improvements in national unemployment rates, which are currently
at 3.8% and lower than pre-pandemic levels. It is important that everyone has the
opportunity and support to find a good job to help them get on in life. That is why
we are delivering on our Plan for Jobs – increasing the number of work coaches, seeing
over 162,600 Kickstart jobs started by young people, and offering free skills bootcamps.
And we have launched Way to Work - a campaign that will focus on getting job-ready
claimants into work and support employers to fill vacancies. Together we will boost
this country’s jobs-led recovery.</p>
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