HC Deb 21 December 1976 vol 923 cc93-4W
48. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what, for a married man with no children, is now the average net wage after payment of tax and national insurance contribution; and what is the same man's net income if unemployed and still drawing the supplement.

Mr. Orme

The information is as followsAssuming his gross weekly earnings to be £66.60(1) a married man with no children would currently pay tax of £16.01(2) and national insurance contribution of £3.83, giving a net wage of £46.76. Income during unemployment depends on personal circumstances. In particular, any entitlement to flat-rate unemployment benefit and earnings-related supplement would depend on a person's previous work record and level of earnings, and the duration of any interruptions of employment due to previous unemployment or sickness. Assuming that he had been in continuous employment and receiving average wages, a married man with a dependent wife and no children would be likely to receive £20.90 in flat-rate unemployment benefit and £10.27 in earnings-related supplement, at current benefit rates. Additional income in the form, for example, of rent and/or rate rebates might be available to such a man either when he was unemployed or when he was working, depending on his individual circumstances.

NOTES:

(1) Average gross earnings (provisional) of male manual workers at August 1976.

(2) On the basis of a personal tax allowance of £1,085 per annum. Less tax would be paid if there were other allowances, e.g. for mortgage interest or life assurance premiums.

49. Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of persons who are or would be better off out of work than working.

Mr. Orme

Reliable estimates of this kind are not available.