HC Deb 04 July 1983 vol 45 c5W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the number of men and women over 55 years who have been unemployed for more than 12 months.

Mr. Gummer

The latest figures, which are for April 1983, were published in table 2.5 of the, labour market data section of the June issue ofEmployment Gazette; a copy of the Gazette is in the Library.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many unemployed men over 60 years have left the unemployment register as a result of measures announced in the Budget.

Mr. Gummer

It is estimated that by the date of the unemployment count for June a total of 122,000 men in the United Kingdom aged 60 and over no longer have to sign on at an unemployment benefit office because of the Budget measures dealing with the payment of national insurance contribution credits and the higher rate of supplementary benefit.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the average length of unemployment for men and women over 55 years who have been unemployed for more than 12 months.

Mr. Gummer

The median length of unemployment in the United Kingdom for people aged 55 and over, who were unemployed for over 12 months on 14 April 1983 (the latest date for which data is available) is estimated to be 25 months for men and 27 months for women.