KINVER’S MP has welcomed figures showing the number of people in South Staffordshire claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance fell by 33 per cent since 2010.

Gavin Williamson MP said the figures – which also showed wages on the rise at the fastest rate since 2007 – are “great news” for “hardworking people”.

Mr Williamson said: “This is great news for people who want to work hard and get on in South Staffordshire – with wages rising at the fastest pace since 2007, and 512 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance.

"That means more financial security for people in work, and more families with the security and stability of a regular pay packet.

“This is down to the hard work and the determination of people here, as well as the Conservatives’ strong leadership and clear economic plan.

“We need to keep working though that plan – backing businesses to create more good jobs and supporting those who want to work hard and get on as part of our ambition to achieve full employment.”

On 15 July 2015, the ONS published labour market statistics and the regional employment statistics for the three months to May 2015.

Constituency claimant count figures for June 2015 were also published, available on the nomis website, and constituency Universal Credit not in employment claimant count figures were published by DWP.