HC Deb 08 November 1983 vol 48 cc126-7W
34. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current trend in vacancies and its implications for future employment patterns.

Mr. Alan Clark

Unfilled vacancies notified to jobcentres have continued to increase and in October were 44 per cent. higher than in the same month last year, and are now at the highest level since early 1980.

While this is encouraging, steadily falling unemployment will be achieved only if Britain proves it can compete in world markets. Any letting up in the fight to get inflation and pay settlements down would only undo the very evident progress we are making.