Falling unemployment rate is welcomed by two politicians

MPs have welcomed figures showing unemployment has fallen year on year.

The number of people claiming JobSeeker’s Allowance in Portsmouth this month was 1,910 – up slightly from last month’s 1,895, but 12 per cent down on last year.

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt said: ‘This is another set of strong jobs figures for Portsmouth North, and our businesses are showing their strength with good year-on-year progress.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The claimant count is down by 70 per cent on April 2010 and by over 10 per cent on a year ago; for those aged 24 and under the reduction is even stronger, down 83 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.

‘Overall the claimant rate is nearly half the national average figure.

‘Nevertheless, if we are to keep up this good work we cannot take anything for granted.

‘We need to match up those who want to work with the opportunities available.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Portsmouth South MP Flick Drummond said: ‘Unemployment is continuing to fall year-on-year, and compared to 2010, unemployment in Portsmouth South is down around 60 per cent.

‘This is a sign of the success and hard work of so many of our local businesses, who are benefitting from growth in the wider economy.

‘We are in a period of great economic stability, and I am telling every employer I meet what a great place Portsmouth is for them to come to, with great people.’

A jobs fair will be held on September 15 at Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth from 10am to 3.30pm.