Figures released this week show across the South West there are now 2,838,142 people in work – meaning 343,826 more people have been able to access the security of a job.

And there are more people than ever in secure jobs with 24.2 million in full-time employment.

Wages have also risen ahead of prices for the 20th consecutive month, meaning families have greater financial security and can plan for their future with confidence.

The number of disabled people in work has also increased to a record high. In Torquay and Paignton (Based on the Torbay Constituency) the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by -627 since 2010 – an overall reduction of -24% per cent.

These figures show the underlying strengths of our economy, with millions of people benefiting from a sustained boost in pay and access to a regular pay cheque. The Conservatives have a proven track record on delivering on jobs, with 3.7 million more people in work since 2010.

Conservative Candidate for Torbay, Kevin Foster has welcomed these figures, saying:

“These figures are another sign the fundamentals of the British economy are strong with the unemployment rate lower than at any point in nearly half a century. Since 2010 3.7 million jobs have been created, including 343,826 more jobs across the South West.”

“In the next few weeks, voters face a crucial choice. A Conservative government led by Boris Johnson to Get Brexit Done and focus on people's priorities like creating jobs, the NHS and our schools. Or Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister, and an economy buckling under the strain of soaring borrowing and the chaos of another two referendums.” 

ENDS

For further information, please contact the Press Office on 020 7984 8121.

Key Statistics:​

• The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1974. The unemployment rate is currently 3.8 per cent –it has not been lower since 1974 (ONS, Labour market statistics, 12 November 2019, link).​
• Full time employment: At a record high, and up by almost 3 million since 2010. In the three months to September, there were 24,213,000 people working full time that is up from 21,221,000 in period covering February- April 2010 (the last full period that Labour were in power).
• Employment: 8 million (up 323,000 over the last year and up by 3.7 million since 2010).​
• Employment rate: 0 per cent (up 0.5 points over the past year and up 5.8 points since 2010).​
• Unemployment: 1.3 million (down 71,500 over the past year and down by 1.20 million since 2010.​
• Wages: Average weekly earnings for employees increased by 3.6 per cent compared with a year earlier – growing by 1.8 per cent after adjusting for inflation – meaning people have more money in their pockets. Wages have increased ahead of prices for 20 months in a row.
• Youth unemployment: There are 438,000 fewer young people out of work since 2010 – almost halving since 2010.​
• Female employment: There are 1.8 million more women in work since 2010​
• Ethnic minority: The number of people from an ethnic minority in work is at a record high.  There are 1.2 million more people from an ethnic minority background in work since January-march 2010, increasing from 2,736,000 to 4,026,000.​
• Disabled: The number of disabled people in work has increased by 1.3 million, and is now at a record high with the number of disabled people out of work at a record low.​

​