Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow has welcomed the news that the number of people in work across the UK remains at a record high, and the rate of women in work is at the highest level since comparable records began, showing the fundamentals of our economy remain strong.  According to today’s figures there are 209,943 more people back in work in the South West since 2010. 

In Taunton Deane, the number of people claiming the key out of work benefits has fallen by 626 - a 45 per cent drop – since 2010.

As well as the employment continuing at a record-high, today’s figures show that the unemployment rate is holding steady, and average wages are growing ahead of inflation .

Rebecca said:

‘Today sees overall employment remain at record highs, and the number of young people in work remains high, but there is more to do.  I welcome the news that the Government is rolling out the Jobcentre Plus Support for Schools scheme in England which will give tens of thousands of young people help in taking their first steps into the world of work.’

‘The number of people in Taunton Deane relying on the key out of work benefits has fallen by 626 since 2010 – a 45% drop – as businesses are able to get more people into work, helped by the decisions Conservatives have taken to strengthen our economy.’

‘But we know there is more to do to build an economy that works for everyone, and we will continue to work hard to help even more people benefit from the opportunities in our economy.