Damian has welcomed the news that unemployment across the UK remains at the lowest rate for over a decade – down nearly 900,000 since 2010 – according to the latest labour market figures.
And with a near-record level of employment of 31.8 million people now in work, both key measures are stronger than this time last year.
Today’s figures also showed that the employment rate amongst women is now at record levels, there are over 500,000 more disabled people in work over the past three years and the number of young people unemployed is now at the lowest level in over 12 years.
In East Hampshire, the number of people claiming the key out of work benefits remains largely unchanged at 325, which puts it at 628th out of 650 constituencies for lowest claimant rates in the country.
Damian said:
“It’s a good start to the year, with numbers that demonstrate the economy is showing strength and resilience, right across the country. The 2.7% growth in wages is also a welcome boost as we continue to focus on growth and stability in the months ahead.”