Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the Work and Pensions Select Committee’s report on the youth obligation, said:

“The current headline employment figures mask shocking barriers faced by some groups in our society trying to find a job. Sadly there is even evidence of direct discrimination.”

“The Government’s own statistics show a wide gap in employment between different regions, and the evidence points to major disadvantages faced by women, BME groups and disabled people.”

“The Government should stop patting themselves on the back, fix their broken Universal Credit roll out, tackle the ‘burning injustices’ many young people face and get on with helping young people find a job.”