James has welcomed the news that employment across the UK continues to run at a record high, the unemployment rate has fallen to an 11-year low, and that according to today’s figures there are 297,000 more people back in work in the Eastern region since 2010.  

In Braintree the number of people claiming the key out of work benefits has fallen by 978- a 61 per cent drop – since 2010.

As well as the employment rate continuing to run at a record high, today’s figures show that wages are continuing to rise strongly. Youth unemployment is down by almost 350,000 since 2010, the number of disabled people in work has increased by 590,000 in the past three years, and the proportion of women in work is at a joint record high. Over 70 per cent of the rise in employment since 2010 has been from full time work.

James said: 

‘Today sees another set of strong figures, with employment continuing to run at a record high and unemployment falling to a 11-year low.”

‘The measures we have taken have put our economy in a position of strength, and we will work to ensure more people can benefit from these opportunities as we build a country that works for everyone.”

Photo: James and local job centre staff in Braintree Town.