Figures released today from the Independent Office of National Statistics show that the number of unemployed claimants in South West Bedfordshire constituency in March 2017 was 605. This represents a rate of 1.1% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 576th highest of the 650 UK constituencies. (1st = highest rate of unemployment, 650th = lowest rate of unemployment).
The total number of claimants for Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit is 40 lower than in March 2016 and 25 lower than in February 2017.
Commenting on the figures South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous said:
“I am delighted to see that more people locally now have the security of a monthly pay packet as they go out to work. Since 2010 over 70% of the rise in employment has been from full time work. There are a record number of people in Britain now earning a wage and providing for their families. There are well over 1,000 more people in work on average every day and this has happened as we have taken the decisions necessary to turn our economy around.
I very much welcome this further fall in unemployment. We have had so many jobs created locally that I am aware a number of employers are struggling to get the workers they need which means we must redouble our efforts to help these businesses grow and to provide the relevant skills training locally.”