The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

Chief Secretary (1987-1989)

Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Earnings (Unemployment) – 19 October 1988

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Earnings (Unemployment) on 19th October 1988.


Mr. Butler To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the contribution to reducing unemployment of each 1 per cent, annual decrease in average earnings.

Mr. Major A decrease in the level of pay settlements which brought them more closely into line with increases in productivity would have an important effect in reducing unemployment. This is now on a firm downward trend, and greater wage restraint would help to keep it there.