Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed new figures showing a reduction in the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in the Vale of Clwyd in the last month, and near record low unemployment nationally, at 3.8%.
The figures came alongside news that more people are in work in the United Kingdom than ever before – 33 million, or four million more than when Labour left office in 2010.
Within the Vale of Clwyd, the number of claimants aged 16+ during May 2023 stood at 1,735, down by 80 since last month, whilst the number of claimants aged 18-24 was 345, down 25.
The situation in the Vale of Clwyd was in contrast with that within Wales as a whole, which saw employment fall 2.2% since the February to April 2022 period, the largest decrease of any nation or region in the UK.
Wales also saw the sharpest rise in unemployment since the February to April 2022 period, from 3.5% to 4.8% (+1.3%) - again the highest of any nation and region in the UK. However, unemployment in Wales is still 73,088 lower than in 2010.
There are a total of 33.09 million people in work in the UK – an increase of 382,000 people in the last year.
As jobs rise, vacancies are falling, with an unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent – near record lows, meaning the number of unemployed people in the UK has halved since 2010.
These new figures show the Government are making progress in achieving their economic priorities, with a strong workforce and a resilient economy.
James said:
“These are difficult times, with Britain’s economy shocked by Coronavirus and then impacted by Putin’s war in Ukraine.
“Today’s jobs figures show there are four million more people in work since 2010 and 104,137 more people in work across Wales, meaning more people are earning their own money.
“It is particularly pleasing to see that the number of claimants in the Vale Of Clwyd has reduced in the last month. However, it is clear that the situation in Wales as a whole is less positive, and I encourage the Welsh Government to look closely at the economic impact of their policies, such as those which are hitting the tourism sector, stifling housebuilding and road construction, and leading to pupils falling behind their counterparts in England.
“There is more to be done to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt – but these figures show the Conservatives are committed to ensuring everyone has the security of a job.”
Commenting, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:
“We’re getting British people working with record number of people in jobs – representing the vigorous support we have in place to support people get into work.
“We are equipping the over 50s to return to work, removing barriers for parents on universal credit and supporting those who are sick or disabled.
“The Prime Minister has set out clear priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. We are working non-stop to ensure more people are in work to achieve these priorities.”
