FOLLOWING the release of the latest unemployment figures showing a fall in number, local MP Ranil Jayawardena has expressed his delight.

The figures show that there are more people in work than ever before, with 320,000 more people in work across the South East.

In north east Hampshire, the number of people claiming the key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 456, a 63 per cent drop in the last six years.

These figures show that the record high employment rate has been fuelled by full-time work, which has accounted for three quarters of the employment growth since 2010, and that average wages grew by 2.4 per cent over the last year.

The north east Hampshire MP was thrilled with the latest figures and positive growth the country is seeing.

Mr Jayawardena said: “The figures show that employment is growing across all the regions and nations of the United Kingdom as we build a Britain that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

“The number of people in North East Hampshire relying on the key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 456 since 2010 – a 63 per cent drop. Nevertheless, we aren’t complacent which is why we’re pressing ahead with welfare reforms like Universal Credit making sure that it always pays for people to be in work.

“With the employment rate at a record high, the unemployment rate at its lowest level in over 10 years, and wages up while inflation has remained low, we are making sure that everyone can share in the country’s wealth.”