G20 brought another minister to Australia this week. Esther McVey MP, Minister of State for Employment, is in Melbourne attending the G20 Employment Ministers Meeting. As an MP on Merseyside, which has had its share of employment challenges, she is passionate about helping to give people the opportunity to work. Immediately before the meeting she shared a platform with host Senator Eric Abetz and US Labor Secretary Perez, in which she stressed the particular importance of improving participation rates for women and young people.
We have seen a significant improvement in unemployment rates in the UK as the economy returns to sustainable growth. But as Senator Abetz said, whatever the overall rates, if you’re out of work and struggling to find a job it’s a personal crisis. So this week’s meeting is a really good chance for countries to share experiences of what works, and help contribute to the overall G20 target of adding an extra 2% to economic growth.
Ms McVey also took the opportunity to meet local staff from Australia’s Job Services and to visit a private sector employment services provider, Sarina Russo, to see their operation in Fitzroy. The Russo group are also significant players in the UK market, making a valuable contribution to tackling unemployment there.
Employment ministers from around the world were also delighted to have the opportunity to meet some iconic Australian marsupials, at the opening event at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground.
