TWO in five Carlisle residents were economically inactive in 2021, new census figures show.

The Resolution Foundation said rising numbers of people in economic inactivity must be addressed as Treasurer Jeremy Hunt aimed to get people back to work with his Spring Budget this week.

Census figures from the Office for National Statistics show 36,070 residents in Carlisle were economically inactive between March 15 and 22 2021.

An economically inactive person is aged 16 and over and did not have a job in that time period, could not start work in the next two weeks, or had not looked for work in the month before.

It meant 39.5 per cent of over-16s in the area were economically inactive.

Across England and Wales 19.1 million over-16s (39.4 per cent) were economically inactive.

Louise Murphy, economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: "Levels of inactivity vary significantly across the UK, and tend to be highest in places where the population is older, and where long-term illness is widespread, such as deprived, ex-industrial areas.

"The right approach to boosting workforce participation should therefore focus both on tackling place-based inequalities, as well as raising living standards for the poorest families."

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The census figures show 4,200 Carlisle residents were not working or looking for work due to long-term sickness or disability in March 2021 whilst a further 23,275 had retired.

It meant long-term sickness or disability accounted for 11.6 per cent of the economically inactive people in the area, while 64.5 per cent were retired.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said he will deliver growth with his 'back to work' Budget by "removing obstacles that stop businesses investing, tackling labour shortages that stop them recruiting, and by breaking down barriers that stop people working".

Mr Hunt added that he will encourage the long-term sick and disabled into work, including announcing the Universal Support programme – a voluntary employment scheme for disabledpeople where the Government will spend up to £4,000 per person to help them find appropriate jobs.

Schemes to encourage young carers, older people nearing retirement and parents – including 30 hours of free weekly childcare for all under-5s – to work were also introduced.

"Our plan is working – inflation falling, debt down and a growing economy," Mr Hunt added. "Britain is on a lasting path to growth with a revolution in childcare support, the biggest ever employment package and the best investment incentives in Europe."