THERE has been a fall in unemployment in Ludlow.

But the level remains higher than was the case before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics show that between December and January, local unemployment fell by 55 claimants, to 2,175.

However, this covers a period in which restrictions had been eased.

The claimant rate in South Shropshire in January was 4.5 per cent of the population aged 16-64, compared to the UK rate of 6.2 per cent.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said that the figure is welcome but the furlough scheme should be extended.

“Each person who is able to move off welfare and back into work is a good news story, particularly at this extremely difficult time for businesses,” said Mr Dunne.

“So I am pleased we have seen a slight dip in unemployment in south Shropshire over the past month.

“Given the Prime Minister’s roadmap to recovery, it is clear that business will need support to maintain jobs until the economy has reopened fully. So the furlough scheme should be extended to June.”

To support businesses to create more jobs in south Shropshire, Mr Dunne is working with the Department for International Trade as part of the Parliamentary Export Programme, to help local businesses access the support they need to boost their exporting potential. The first virtual event takes place on Friday March 19, from 2pm-3pm.

For more information and for businesses to register their interest, visit: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/parliamentary-export-programme.