I welcome this week’s new figures showing that there are 254,000 more people in work across the South East than in 2010 and a record level of employment across the UK – with over 2.3 million more people enjoying the security of a job. It is also doubly pleasing that in Rochester and Strood, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance has fallen by 1,402 - a 53% per cent drop – since 2010.
Furthermore, the total number of unemployed claimants in Rochester and Strood constituency in January 2016 was 1,255. This represents a rate of 2.3% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 325th highest of the 650 UK constituencies. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 2.5%. importantly, there were also 270 claimants aged 18-24 in Rochester and Strood constituency in January 2016, 110 lower than in January 2015.
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, the new statistics show that our economic plan is working. It is creating jobs and growing pay packets for families in Rochester and Strood as we continue to move towards the goal of full employment that we committed to in our manifesto.
In the face of continuing turbulence in the world economy, it is encouraging for families that more people than ever have the security of a job and a rising pay packet. Jobs are being created here in Rochester and Strood by businesses in many sectors and will continue to thrive at our expanding Rochester Airport Technology Park, where a further 1,000 jobs could be created.
This is further evidence to show that our economic and welfare reforms are delivering more security and providing opportunities that give families in Rochester and Strood the best chance in life.