Maggie Throup has welcomed new figures showing 1803 fewer people in Erewash claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance compared to 2010 – a 58 per cent drop. This means more people in work, with the self-respect and security of a good job and a regular pay packet.

People are getting off benefits and into work across the East Midlands, with 149,000 more people in work since the last election. Overall there are now a record 30.9 million people in work, with 1.85 million more people in work since the last election. The employment rate, at 73.2 per cent is also the highest on record. 

These new jobs are not insecure or poorly paid. Three quarters of new jobs since the last election are full-time, and as the new figures also confirm pay is now rising above inflation - with total pay up 2.1 per cent on the year, well ahead of inflation, which was 0.9 per cent over the period.

Maggie Throup said: “1803 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance in Erewash is excellent news – and alongside the news that wages are rising faster than prices, it’s clear that the Conservatives’ long term economic plan is delivering a more financially secure future for families in our area. 

“This is happening because we’ve been working through our plan, backing businesses with better infrastructure and lower jobs taxes to create more real jobs, and fixing welfare so that work always pays. These jobs are not insecure or poorly paid. In fact three quarters of new jobs have been full-time and wages are rising. 

“Voters in Erewash will have a clear choice to make in May, in the most important election we’ve had in a generation. Either we stick with the Conservatives’ plan which is delivering jobs, so more people have the self-respect and peace of mind that comes with a regular pay packet. Or all that is put at risk by the economic chaos a vote for any one of the other parties would bring.”