Local unemployment amongst lowest in UK
Local MP Tim Farron has praised local businesses for their efforts after figures released today show that the unemployment rate in Westmorland and Lonsdale is amongst the lowest in the country, with the constituency having the 9th lowest rate of all 650 UK constituencies.
The unemployment rate in the constituency was just 0.6%, four times lower than the national average of 2.4%. There was a total of 250 unemployed claimants in January. Thirty five of these claimants were aged 18-24, which is ten lower than the equivalent figure in 2016.
Tim said: "These figures show the continued strength of the local economy, which is a testament to the efforts of local businesspeople and entrepreneurs across the South Lakes. Their hard work is creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people. My thanks also go to the District Council for their work supporting small businesses and start-ups. Statistics like these show that their efforts are paying off. I will continue to do all I can to support local businesses and local jobs."