Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce the level of economic inactivity among people of working age.

The UK labour market has record employment and close to record low unemployment, however we want to see even more people fulfil their potential, we are supporting employers to get the required skills for their workforce, and ensuring the economy continues to grow.

The Spring Budget set out a significant, wide-ranging package of DWP measures that represent an investment of £3.5bn over 5 years to boost workforce participation. These measures will help to break down the barriers stopping people moving into work and progressing in it. This includes investment to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, parents, over-50s, unemployed people and people on Universal Credit and working fewer than full-time hours.