LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne is claiming that a fall in the number of people in the area claiming Jobseeker's Allowance is evidence that the Government’s economic policies are working.

The MP has welcomed figures from the Office for National Statistics showing over 2.3 million more people with a job than in 2010.

In the Ludlow constituency, there are 100 fewer people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while not in employment than 12 months ago – this claimant count is now 63 per cent lower than in May 2010.

The figures also show wages continuing to grow, with average total pay up 2.0 per cent, while inflation is close to flat.

This means working people across Ludlow constituency are seeing their take home pay grow, the MP claims.

With employment at a record 74% and nearly 75% of the increase in employment over the last year in full-time jobs, there are now a record 31.4 million people in work across the UK, according to the Government.

The unemployment rate fell to 5.1% - the lowest since early 2006. There are more women in work than ever before, and the number of unemployed young people not in full-time education remains at a record low of 5.8%.

“These figures are excellent news for families in the Ludlow constituency, marking an important milestone in the road to full employment,” said Philip Dunne.

“With employment at the highest rate in our history, wages continuing to grow above inflation and the unemployment rate now below the level we last saw before the great recession, it’s clear our economic plan is working.”

"This is reflected in the figures for South Shropshire, where the number of people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit while out of work has fallen by 63% since 2010.

"Each new job means a worker and their family with the security of a pay packet.

"But with Britain facing a dangerous cocktail of new risks in the global economy this year it’s more important than ever that we stick to our plan to fix Britain’s finances, as we continue to work to deliver security for families here in South Shropshire, and across the UK."