Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on today’s labour market stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said:

“We welcome the overall increase in employment, but are deeply concerned that millions remain in low paid, insecure work.

“The Government has also failed to close the employment gap faced by women, disabled people and BAME groups, who have too often borne the brunt of austerity cuts.

“With the cost of basic essentials rising by 2.9 per cent, while wages stagnate, too many of Britain’s families are struggling to get by while Theresa May focuses on holding her unstable coalition of chaos together.

“Only a Labour government will ensure working people’s living standards are protected with a real Living Wage of £10 per hour, and an immediate end to austerity spending cuts.

“The Prime Minister must stand aside and let a Labour government build an economy that works for the many, not the few.”