On 17 March, the Government responded to an urgent question on the Department for Work and Pensions’ office closures, by confirming these proposals will go ahead.
During the statement, Stephen urged the Minister to invest in jobs. He explained that recent employment figures show 580,000 fewer people in jobs than before the pandemic He also said there are many older workers choosing to retire early without claiming benefit.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen said “we all want a full labour market recovery. Does the Minister recognise this is going to require major Government investment rather than the disinvestment which I think he is announcing this morning?”
You can watch Stephen’s full question - and the Minister’s response - below.