HC Deb 09 November 2000 vol 356 c336W
19. Ms Rosie Winterton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of full employment. [135967]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The modern definition of full employment is the Government's aim of employment opportunity for all. The Government's long-term economic ambition is that by the end of the decade there will be at least three quarters of the working age population in employment. Macroeconomic stability is a prerequisite to achieving this aim, combined with microeconomic policies to ensure an effective, secure transition from welfare into work.

The Chancellor announced in Chapter 4 of pre-Budget Report 2000 a further range of measures, which build on existing employment programmes in order to reach full employment.