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Unemployment drops in SW

Figures released today suggest that unemployment is down in the South West.

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Employment minister says figures are 'encouraging'

Our welfare reform agenda is about making a fair and affordable system that incentivises work: giving people the support they need to get off benefits and into a job.

Today's figures are encouraging, with the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance down and the number of people in work increasing.

– Employment Minister Mark Hoban

The fall in the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits, together with the news that there are currently over half a million vacancies available in the UK economy, show that there are opportunities out there for those who are prepared to work hard, and who aspire to get on in life.

– Employment Minister Mark Hoban

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Unemployment down in South West

Unemployment in the South West has gone down according to figures released today.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) says a total of 156,000 people are unemployed in the region - 11,000 less than the last quarter. The rate of unemployment in the region is now 5.8%.

Nationally, long-term unemployment has increased to a 17-year high, despite another fall in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance.

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