Official jobs figures show that in the East Midlands, there are now 2,403,169 people in work.
Employment in our country continues to grow and is now at a record high – with more people in work than ever before and unemployment at its lowest since 1974, giving families the security of a good job and more money in their pockets thanks to another month of rising wages.
It means under the Conservatives, 303,432 more people have the security of a job and a wage that puts more money in their pocket each month.
Conservatives are making sure work always pays: in the Gainsborough constituency, the number of people claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 205 since 2010, and we will continue to ensure people can have a job rather than being trapped on benefits.
Our ambition is to end low pay altogether. We are giving the National Living Wage its largest cash boost ever in April to £8.72 – giving nearly 3 million people a well-earned pay rise – and our ambitions is to take it to £10.50 by 2024. And we will set out more details of our plan to level up across the country and spread prosperity at the Budget on Tuesday, 11th March, ushering in a decade of renewal.
Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, commented:
“As we move forward outside the European Union, we do so with a jobs market that continues to break records and growing business confidence.
“Today’s statistics are more good news for workers, with wages rising above inflation once again, meaning more money in people’s pocket to spend on their priorities.
“There is still more we want to do, and this People’s Government will work tirelessly to deliver the change people voted for, ushering in a decade of renewal and shared prosperity in every region of our country.”
Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Leigh MP welcomed the figures, saying:
“These latest jobs figures are another sign that the Conservatives are providing opportunities for people across the country.
“With a record high number of people in work, more families in the Gainsborough constituency can plan for their future with confidence.
“I am pleased the government is focused on levelling up across the country and support the action they are taking to spread opportunity to communities like ours. In the coming years we will see people earn higher wages and keep more of their hard-earned cash, which is great news for families across our constituency.”
