Rebecca Harris has welcomed new figures showing since 2010 the number of people in Castle Point claiming Jobseekers allowance and Universal Credit fell by 919 - a 59% per cent drop.

This means more people in work, with the security of a good job and a regular pay packet so they can provide for themselves and their families. Jobs are being created in Castle Point by businesses like Thames Ambulance and Castle Point Autos.

The figures also showed that wages are rising at the fastest rate in real terms since 2007 – rising for the eighth month in a row. This means more financial security for hardworking families in Castle Point.

People are getting off benefits and into work across the East of England, with 227,419 more people in work since the last Labour Government. Across the UK as a whole, there are almost 2 million more people at work than at the end of thirteen years of a Labour Government.

Mrs Harris said:

‘This is great news for people who want to work hard and get on in Castle Point – with wages rising at the fastest pace since 2007, and 919 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while out of work.

‘That means more financial security for people in work, and more families with the security and stability of a regular pay packet - with good jobs being created by businesses like Choice Discount Stores and Edward Carter Solutions.

‘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.’