Encouraging jobless figures released

Montgomeryshire’s economy continues to show strength after figures revealed that just 1.2% of the population claims Job Seekers Allowance.

That is well below the national rate of 2.6% with just 365 economically active people aged 16-64 said to be claiming. That is 75 lower than this time last year and a drop of 10 from last month.

The news has been welcomed by newly re-elected MP for Montgomeryshire, Glyn Davies, who said: “Today’s unemployment statistics are hugely impressive. Unemployment in Montgomeryshire has been reduced to incredibly low levels - far lower than I ever thought possible when I was first elected as an MP seven years ago.

“It is also very pleasing that Montgomeryshire remains the constituency with the lowest rate of unemployment in Wales. I am particularly pleased to see the number of 18-24 year olds fall significantly.

“There will always be more to do. We need a local Council, now under new leadership, committed to growth and driving wage levels upwards. But today's unemployment statistics tell us Montgomeryshire is really well placed to develop its employment base.”