New figures showing that 292 fewer people in Mid Dorset and North Poole are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance than in 2010, a 42% fall. There are a record number of women in work – and the annual fall in female unemployment is the largest on record. This means more people in work, with the security of a regular pay packet and a better future ahead of them.

Across Britain the number of people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance has fallen to 0.93 million people, its lowest level since August 2008. People are moving off benefits and into work, with a record 30.79 million people now in work. That’s 694,000 more people in work than a year ago.

Today’s strong jobs numbers are great news for our area and show that the Conservatives’ long-term economic plan is working. We’re helping people get off benefits and into work, giving them the security and peace of mind of a regular pay packet.

We have helped local businesses to create jobs by backing them with lower taxes and better infrastructure. Private sector employment has risen by more than 2 million since the election – there are now more people in private sector employment than ever before. And we have helped people get off benefits and into work through our welfare reforms, ending a something for nothing culture and making work pay. Total pay has risen faster than inflation. All this means a brighter, more secure future for hardworking taxpayers in Mid Dorset and North Poole who want to work hard and get on in life.