Alison McGovern reported that high levels of economic inactivity and long-term sickness are detrimental to towns and cities across the UK. The UK has an economic inactivity rate of 21%, with some areas exceeding 50%. The Stockton-on-Tees area has the highest inactivity rate at 67%. The Office for National Statistics noted that illness, especially since the pandemic, has caused more individuals to leave the workforce. The Government is planning to enhance recruitment through Jobcentre Plus and partner with employers like KFC to offer pre-employment training and support for job seekers.
Alison McGovern warned that "job deserts" and high rates of long-term sickness are holding back towns and cities across the UK, leaving too many people "on the scrap heap."
Concentrated pockets of economic inactivity harm both individuals and the regions where they live, with over 21% of the UK's population inactive.
In Stockton-on-Tees, 67% of adults are economically inactive, while Knowsley reports 31.4% of working-age residents are receiving fit notes.
McGovern emphasized the link between economic inactivity and national health, noting rising long-term sickness since the pandemic.
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