§ 80. Mr. Colvinasked the Paymaster General if he is satisfied with the mobility of labour in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe ability of unemployed (and employed) people to move to other labour markets is an important factor in reducing unemployment and eliminating skill shortages. It also helps to contribute to the flexibility of the labour market, which itself affects our ability to adapt and compete in an expanding and developing economy.
For these reasons the Government provide assistance aiming to help people to find out about jobs in other areas, to travel to job interviews in areas beyond daily travelling distance of their homes, and to move home to other areas. Some of this assistance is provided through the Manpower Services Commission and some through the Department of the Environment, with whom my officials keep in close touch. At the end of last year the Government announced two initiatives of particular relevance to people wanting to take up work in other parts of the country—a planned expansion of "shared ownership", using private finance, and a new scheme of rented housing for young job movers provided by Housing Associations.