HC Deb 28 January 1975 vol 885 c116W
Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the unemployment trend for non-manual workers over the age of 50 during the past year; how this compares with unemployment of similar manual workers; what steps he proposes to take to increase non-manual employment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Booth

Between September 1973 and September 1974 the total of number unemployed non-manual workers increased by 14.2 per cent., while the number of unemployed manual workers increased by 16.3 per cent. There is no analysis of unemployed workers by age and occupation together.

No measures are contemplated to promote the employment of non-manual workers as distinct from manual workers. The Government are concerned to maintain a satisfactory level of job opportunity for all workers.