Caroline Spelman, MP for Meriden constituency, has welcomed the latest figures which show that national unemployment fell by 50,000 to 2.53 million in the three months to August.
The Office for National Statistics said the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 4,000 to 1.57 million in September. Employment reached a record high of almost 30 million and the unemployment rate fell to 7.9%. The employment rate for those aged from 16 to 64 for the three months to August was 71.3% - which is the highest since April 2009. The total level of unemployment is the lowest it has been since the spring of 2011.
Caroline said: “I was delighted to hear the national figures and even more so when I was given the figures for Meriden. The number of unemployed claimants in Meriden constituency in September 2012 was 3,182 - 135 lower than in September 2011.
“It’s a real landmark to see more people in work than ever before. Despite the tough economic times the private sector continues to create jobs and our welfare reforms are encouraging people to return to work – with 170,000 fewer people on the main out of work benefits since this Government took office.
“The big fall in youth unemployment is particularly welcome, but we know this remains a challenge which is why we have the £1 billion Youth Contract offering nearly 500,000 work experience places, apprenticeships and wage incentives to help young people get a job.
“Locally, I have been keeping a close eye on the green shoots of recovery since the Coalition Government came into power in May 2010. We are now seeing positive proof of the Government’s successful policies.
“I am determined to help local businesses do even better and I am constantly looking for support for start-up and fledgling businesses in this area as these are the engines of growth for the future. With the New Enterprise Allowance, we are opening up opportunity to anyone with the drive and flair for business. We are backing aspiration all the way.”