HUW WELCOMES RECORD BREAKING JOBS FIGURES
22.02.2016 For immediate release: Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle, has welcomed today’s new figures showing that there are 254,000 more people in work across the South East than when Labour were last in power and a record level of employment across the UK – with over 2.3 million more people enjoying the security of a job than in 2010.
In the Bexhill and Battle constituency, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while not in employment has fallen by 978 - a 60 per cent drop – since 2010.
The figures also show that wages are continuing to grow, with average total pay up 1.9 per cent, while inflation remains close to flat. With employment at a record 74.1 per cent, and the majority of the increase in employment over the last year in full-time jobs, today’s statistics show that our economic plan is working. It’s creating jobs and growing pay packets for families in Bexhill and Battle as we continue to move towards the goal of full employment that we committed to in our manifesto.
Jobs are being created here in Bexhill and Battle in locations such as the new Bexhill Enterprise Park.
Huw said:
‘In the face of continuing turbulence in the world economy, it is encouraging for families in the Bexhill and Battle constituency that more people than ever have the security of a job and a rising pay packet.
Today’s figures show a record number of people in work and unemployment and youth unemployment reaching near 10-year lows. Here in Bexhill and Battle, the number of people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit while out of work has fallen by 978 since 2010 – a 60 per cent drop. Jobseekers have benefitted from the new jobs being created by the opening of the Bexhill Enterprise Park.
‘Our economic and welfare reforms are delivering more security and providing opportunities that give residents in Bexhill and Battle the best chance in life. There is more to do to help all of those who can work to get the hope and security of a job.’