Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alison McGovern and Steve Witherden

Monday 12th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern]

That is exactly the point of our changes to jobcentres and the £1 billion of investment in employment support—so that we can understand the pathways to work for people who have skills and talents but, as the hon. Gentleman said, perhaps not quite the right qualifications.

[Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr) (Lab)]

More than 9 million people in the UK are not actively seeking work, with long-term illness cited as the single largest reason. Does the Minister agree that rather than penalising those who are sick or disabled, the Government should introduce a wealth tax to fund a genuine transformation of our public services, enabling us to face the future with a healthier, happier and more productive workforce?