Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed employment figures published this week by the Office for National Statistics. There are 18% fewer claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) across the Gosport constituency than in January 2015.
The total number of claimants in the Gosport constituency in January 2016 was 657, which represents a rate of 1.1% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. This is considerably lower than the national average of 1.5%. Since 2010, the number of JSA claimants across Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head has fallen by 1150, representing a 64% reduction.
The figures also show that wages are continuing to grow, with average total pay up 1.9 per cent, while inflation remains close to flat. With employment at a record 74.1 per cent, and the majority of the increase in employment over the last year in full-time jobs, today's statistics show that the Government's economic plan is working; it's creating jobs and growing pay packets for families in Gosport.
Commenting on the statistics, Caroline said:
"I welcome the publication of the latest employment figures this week, which clearly show that more families throughout Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head are enjoying the security that comes with a regular pay packet
Our economic and welfare reforms are delivering more security and providing opportunities that give families in Gosport the best chance in life. This is further evidence of the need to stick to the Government's long term plan to deliver economic security against the cocktail of risks affecting the world."
