§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are his policies towards maximising the number of local employees in total employment.
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 7 December 1994]: The route to more jobs and fewer people out of work is clear: sound economic policies based on low inflation; a deregulated, flexible labour market; and help for those who need it most, especially the long-term unemployed. We will continue to pursue these policies, which have already led to a fall of over 450,000 in unemployment since the recovery in the labour market began. There is in place a very wide range of help to get unemployed people back into work, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor's Budget statement announced the extension of a number of programmes, including workwise, 1–2–1, community action, jobfinder's grant and work trials which will be available in Southwark and Bermondsey.