The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Bexley has dropped by half over four years, figures show.

James Brokenshire MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup has welcomed new official figures showing that the number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in Old Bexley & Sidcup has dropped by a half since April 2010.

According to the Office for National Statistics 656 people claimed JSA in August 2014 compared to 1,321 in April 2010 across Old Bexley and Sidcup Mr Brokenshire says the positive new figures demonstrated the number of new jobs being created in Bexley and increasing confidence amongst local businesses.

He said: "These figures are concrete evidence that the Government’s long term economic plan is working. The UK now has the fastest growing economy in the G7 and, importantly, that recovery is being felt across the country and by our young people entering work for the first time too.

"Each of the 146,000 people finding work over the last three months represents someone taking a pay packet home, learning new skills and making a contribution to the UK economy. Whilst there is still more work to be done, this is extremely positive news and the Government will continue to help businesses build on this success over the coming months."

Old Bexley and Sidcup's figures highlight a drop in the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance nationally - the Government’s long term economic plan has supported private business to create 74,000 new jobs during the last three months, bringing the total number of jobs created since the last election to 1.8million.

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