North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the news that unemployment across the United Kingdom has fallen again and the number of people in work has risen to an all-time record high.
Since 2010 unemployment across the country has fallen by one million, while youth unemployment has fallen by 415,000.
The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, also show that there are now 32.10 million people in work, 317,000 more than last year. These figures have been driven by increases in full-time and permanent work, and in the last year there are 20,000 fewer people relying on zero hour contracts.
The female employment rate is also at a near record 70.7%, with over 15 million women in work, while the disability employment gap has fallen again as we see over 500,000 more disabled people in work today than in 2010.
Today’s employment figures also show:
- there are a near record 783,000 vacancies in the economy at any one time
- the number of people in employment has increased by over 3 million since 2010
- the UK has the 3rd highest employment rate in the G7
- the number of workers aged 50 and over has reached a record 9.97 million
- youth unemployment has fallen by over 40% since 2010
- the proportion of young people who are unemployed and not in full time education remains below 5%
In Swindon, unemployment remains low and is down by around 60% since 2010. This means that more families across the town are benefiting from moving into work, progressing in work and enjoying the security that comes with a regular pay packet. Similarly, the number of young people out of work has more than halved and more people under 25 are accessing work or further education.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Unemployment across the country continues to fall and the number of people in work is at a record high. Today’s statistics are further proof that our plan to deliver a strong economy is working and more people are enjoying . Our excellent local Jobcentre Plus team & its Work Coaches have assisted many local residents to find work and progress within work. I am particularly pleased to see that more disabled people than ever are entering employment & progressing."
Minister for Employment Damian Hinds MP said: “Our economy is helping to create full time, permanent jobs which are giving people across the UK the chance of securing a reliable income. We’ve boosted the income for people on the lowest pay by increasing the National Living Wage and delivered the fastest pay rise for the lowest earners in 20 years. That’s great progress and we’re determined to help more people flourish in the world of work.”
