Simon has welcomed the news that unemployment across the UK remains at the lowest rate for over a decade – down nearly 900,000 since 2010 – according to the latest labour market figures, with 59,000 more people back in work in the North East since 2010.
In Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, the number of people claiming the key out of work benefits has fallen by 1,447 – a 45 per cent drop – since 2010.
Today’s figures also showed that the employment rate amongst women is now at record levels, there are over 500,000 more disabled people in work over the past three years and the number of young people unemployed is now at the lowest level in over 12 years.
Simon said:
‘We start the New Year with another encouraging set of figures, which show the strength of our economy as we step up to the challenges of 2017.
‘Since the Conservatives entered government, the number of people in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland relying on the key out of work benefits has fallen by 1,447 – a 45% drop – while the unemployment level nationwide is at the lowest rate in over 10 years.
‘With a record high employment rate for women and over half a million more disabled people in work over the last three years, we have made real progress creating a strong economy and we will continue that work as we build a country that works for everyone – with more people sharing in our country’s prosperity.’