Unemployment is 126 lower than a year ago - Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed news that unemployment in Westmorland & Lonsdale is 126 people lower than a year ago. These figures give Westmorland amongst the lowest unemployment rate in the UK.

The number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency in December 2014 was 244.This represents a rate of 0.6% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64.

The number of claimants is 126 lower than in December 2013. These data are not seasonally adjusted.

Tim said: "These figures show that unemployment compared to last year is again down, which is welcome news but our issue in the Lakes is less about employment and more about pay. This is why I am so supportive of the Living Wage. I will keep urging the public sector to take the lead within the county and introduce the wage for their staff.

"I think that the figures do show that our campaigns on jobs, investment and apprenticeships is paying off and I want to pay tribute to local businesses who are working so hard to boost our economy."