The monthly unemployment figures just published show another fall in unemployment in the constituency. The figures show an overall drop of 40 across the constituency to stand at 1,345. This is half the UK claimant rate. The figures for those aged 18-24 also showed a drop, down 30 on the past month. 

These figures show the number of people who were claiming unemployment related benefits. This includes those who were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, or were claiming Universal Credit and are required to seek work. Not surprisingly there was an increase in unemployment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of which happened in March-May 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

John said: “I am very pleased to see further falls in unemployment in the constituency.  I hope this is a trend that will continue. I realise how difficult a period of unemployment is, particularly at the moment. The figures, however, do show how we are tackling the problem.”