Unemployment down

Local MP welcomes another drop in unemployment

Local MP Gordon Henderson has welcomed new figures showing that the number of people in Sittingbourne and Sheppey claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while not in employment fell by just over a thousand (1002) - a 42% drop -  since 2010.

The figures show that the Government’s reforms to rebalance the economy and help more people into work are succeeding, with over 400,000 more people across the country in work than a year ago and a record number of people working in the private sector. Business confidence in the economy is shown by nearly three quarters of a million vacancies, and jobs are being created in Sittingbourne and Sheppey by a range of businesses.

The figures also showed that average pay growth is at 2.9 per cent – the fastest rise since 2002 – while inflation was only 0.1 per cent, meaning hardworking local people in have more money in their pockets; and youth unemployment has continued to fall – down 215,000 since 2010 – showing how this one nation government is ensuring the economic recovery is felt by all sections of society.

Mr Henderson said:

‘With wages continuing to rise and 1002 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while out of work, today’s figures are great news for people who want to work hard and get on in Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

‘With good jobs being created by a range of businesses, these figures show there is more financial security for people in work, and more families with the security and stability of a regular pay packet.

‘These strong results are down to the hard work and determination of people here in Sittingbourne and Sheppey and demonstrate the success of the Government’s one nation approach and clear economic plan.

‘We need to keep working though that plan - supporting firms, increasing training and providing more free childcare for working parents, as well as introducing a National Living Wage – so that everyone can succeed and achieve their full potential.’