Jobless total drops by 44 per cent

NEW figures show that 880 fewer people are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Warrington North – a drop of 44 per cent compared with a year ago.
The figures have been welcomed by Richard Short (pictured), prospective Parliamentary candidates for the constituency.
He said it meant more people were in work, with a security of a regular pay packet and a brighter future ahead of them.
Last month throughout Britain the number of people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance fell below one million for the first time since 2008 and the trend continues, he said.
At the same time, wages were now rising faster than inflation and this meant the recovery was helping hard working families.
Mr Short said: “It’s excellent news that almost 1,000 fewer people right here in Warrington North are relying on benefits to get by. This makes a huge difference to people’s lives, meaning many more local people can look forward to a brighter, more secure future, for themselves and their families.
“This has happened because, as part of the Conservatives’ long-term economic plan, the Government has been reforming welfare so it rewards the willingness to work and promotes the value of apprenticeships.
“There have been 1.9 million apprenticeships under this Government with funding being put in place for three million more. Measures like this give young people the dignity of a job and training.
“As these figures show, the plan is working, getting us closer to our target of full employment. We need to keep working through the plan, so more families in Warrington North can have the security of a real job and a regular pay packet. “