Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has welcomed new figures showing that the number of people in South Staffordshire claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell by 933 - a 58 per cent drop - since 2010.
The figures show that the government’s reforms to rebalance the economy and help more people into work are succeeding, with over 400,000 more people across the country in work than a year ago and a record number of people working in the private sector. Business confidence in the economy is shown by nearly three quarters of a million vacancies.
The figures also showed that average pay growth is at 2.9 per cent – the fastest rise since 2002 – while inflation was only 0.1 per cent, meaning hardworking people in South Staffordshire have more money in their pockets; and youth unemployment has continued to fall – down 215,000 since 2010 – showing how this one nation government is ensuring the economic recovery is felt by all sections of society.
Across the West Midlands people are getting off benefits and into work with 119,596 more people in work since the last Labour Government. There are over 2 million more people across the UK now in work than at the end of thirteen years of a Labour Government.
Commenting on the figures Gavin said: “With wages continuing to rise and 933 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance today’s figures are great news for people who want to work hard and get on in South Staffordshire.
“With good jobs being created by local businesses these figures show there is more financial security for people in work, and more families with the security and stability of a regular pay packet.
“These strong results are down to the hard work and determination of people here in South Staffordshire, and demonstrate the success of the Conservatives’ one nation approach and clear economic plan. We need to keep working though that plan - supporting firms, increasing training and providing more free childcare for working parents, as well as introducing a National Living Wage – so that everyone can succeed and achieve their full potential.”