Rebecca Pow, Prospective Conservative MP for Taunton Deane,   has welcomed new figures showing 572  fewer people in Taunton Deane claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance compared to 2010 - a 42 per cent fall. This means more people with the self-respect and security of a good job and a regular pay packet.

People are getting off benefits and into work across the South West with 132,000 more people in work compared to the last election.

Overall there are now a record 30.80 million people in work, with 1.75 million more people in work since 2010.

Jobs are being created in Taunton Deane by businesses like Apple Campers on the Foxmoor Business Park in Wellington.  

Rebecca Pow said:  ‘This is a family run business specialising in everything relating to motorhomes, caravans and campers and they are thriving thanks to the upturn in the economy. Andy Mcphail set up the business just under 2 years ago and runs the company with partner Emma Slocombe and they have expanded so quickly that they have had to move to a larger premises and now employ 5 staff including a new apprentice who had trained at Somerset College.

‘It’s great news that 572 fewer people in Taunton Deane are relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance to get by. This is a clear sign that the Conservatives' long-term economic plan is working – helping people get off benefits and into work.  

‘This is happening because we’ve been backing businesses to create more jobs with lower taxes and better infrastructure, and fixing the welfare system to make sure work pays. We’ve been seeing this work locally with new jobs at places like Apple Campers in Wellington.

‘This means a better future for families in Taunton Deane, as more people have the financial security and self-respect that comes with a good job and a regular pay-packet.’