HENDERSON, Gordon	11:15 (1 hour ago)
to Jessica

Date:  16^th June 2015

Release:  Immediate

New figures mean more security for families in Sittingbourne and Sheppey

Gordon Henderson MP has welcomed new figures showing that since 2010 the number of people in Sittingbourne and Sheppey claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while not in employment fell by 1,030 - a 41 per cent drop.

This means more people in work, with the security of a good job and a regular pay packet so they can provide for themselves and their families. Jobs are being created in Sittingbourne and Sheppey by businesses, for example, which have opened at Neat’s Court in Queenborough.

The figures also showed that wages are rising at the fastest rate in real terms since 2007 – rising for the eighth month in a row. This means more financial security for hardworking families in Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

People are getting off benefits and into work across the South East, with 214,014 more people in work since the last Labour Government. Across the UK as a whole, there are almost 2 million more people at work than at the end of thirteen years of a Labour Government.

Mr Henderson said:

‘This is great news for people who want to work hard and get on in Sittingbourne and Sheppey – with wages rising at the fastest pace since 2007, and 1,030 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while out of work.

‘However, we cannot be complacent which is why I will continue to work with local businesses to try and create even more, well paid full time jobs.

‘I will also continue to work with local schools and training providers to ensure that local people have the skills needed to fill the jobs that are created.’

ENDS