ALISON MCGOVERN: 'People are working hard but there are still too many being left behind'

No one knows better than Mirror readers that right now, people up and down the country are working hard — but there are still too many being left behind.

In previous years, economic inactivity grew. That's people who aren't working and aren't able to look for work right now. Nearly three million people are out of work because they are sick, for example.

If we want to grow our economy, we must do more than celebrate our talent — we must invest in it, develop it, and remove the obstacles that prevent people from thriving.

Nearly a million young people are out of work and not learning either. They have the potential to earn a crust — but can’t access the help and opportunities to get that first job, and that’s when we all lose out.

We’ve already made work fairer and more secure with increases to the National Minimum Wage and strengthening Statutory Sick Pay. We are investing in our energy, transport, and homes, all of which will create jobs.

READ MORE: Union boss demands 'bold action' to fight 'big challenges' in UK's job market

But to truly boost our economy, we also need to look beyond those already in work and extend support to those striving to enter it.

That’s why under our Plan for Change; we’re backing talent by partnering with businesses to give people the skills they need to succeed in the jobs market, reaching out to 8,000 businesses to offer them a free support service.

We’re tackling structural barriers with huge investment in childcare, the NHS, and transforming our jobcentres to open up opportunities.We’re also investing in our young people by guaranteeing them the chance to earn or learn.

We’re not short of talent in this country. I see that every time I put the telly on, go to the football. Or when I meet the young people signing up to be apprentices in every field from building naval ships to cooking alongside great chefs in our seaside towns. The problem is making sure those with talent are given the support to rise.

And with our Plan for Change, we will ensure that everyone has the chance to succeed. That will make all of us - young or old - truly proud.

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