STEPHEN Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the news that unemployment across the UK remains at the lowest rate for over a decade – down nearly 900,000 since 2010 according to the latest labour market figures.
Locally, the number of people claiming the key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 1,182 – a 52% drop – since 2010.
Today’s figures also showed that the employment rate amongst women is now at record levels. There are over 500,000 more disabled people in work over the past three years and the number of young people unemployed is now at the lowest level over 12 years.
Mr Metcalfe said:
“We start the New Year with another encouraging set of figures, which show the strength of our economy as we step up to the challenges of 2017.
“Since the Conservatives entered Government in 2010, the number of local people relying on the key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 1,182 – a 52% drop – while the unemployment level nationwide is at the lowest rate in over ten years.”
He added:
“With a record high employment rate for women, and over half a million more disabled people in work over the last three years, we have made real progress towards creating a strong economy.
“Theresa May’s Conservatives will continue that good work as we build a country that works for everyone – with more people sharing in our country’s prosperity.”
