Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were classified as economically inactive in each year since 1979; and what was the percentage change in each year over the previous year. [25000]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightInformation for Great Britain available from the labour force survey is shown in the table.
Seasonally adjusted Spring (March to May) Economically inactive1 (aged 16 and above) Annual percentage change 1979 15,310 1981 15,654 +1.5 1983 16,399 +2.2 1984 16,130 -1.6 Internationally standard definition 1984 15,951 +0.2 1985 15,990 +0.7 1986 16,100 -0.3 1987 16,053 -1.3 1988 15,852 -1.4 1989 15,623 0.0 1990 15,616 +1.4 1991 15,835 +2.1 1992 16,165 +1.2 1993 16,358 +0.4 1994 16,424 +0.7 1995 16,543 1The definition of economic inactivity was brought into line with internationally standard definitions in 1984. Therefore, data above the line are not comparable with data below it.