Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to increase opportunities for full-time employment across the UK.

The Government is committed to increasing the opportunities for full-time employment across the UK. That is why we introduced the Employment Allowance in April 2014 which entitles businesses and charities to a £2,000 allowance on their annual National Insurance contributions bill. The allowance is reducing the cost of employment, supporting small businesses aspiring to grow by hiring their first employee or expanding their workforce.

We are also abolishing Employer National Insurance contributions for under 21s on earnings up to £813 a week from April 2015 helping to support full-time employment for young people. The Government will of course continue to look at further ways to support full-time employment across the UK.