MP for Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark, welcomed new figures published today showing that unemployment has significantly fallen in his constituency.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the total number of unemployed claimants in the Tunbridge Wells constituency in October 2013 was 667, which is 318 lower than in October 2012 – just over 30% reduction. This represents a rate of 1.2% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64 (compared to 2.4% in the South-East and 4% in the UK).

Youth unemployment has also fallen. In October 2013, there were 140 unemployment claimants aged 18-24 in the Tunbridge Wells constituency, which is 75 lower than in October 2012 – nearly 35% reduction.

Greg commented:

"These new figures are encouraging news for our local economy. The last few years have been very difficult for many people – both those in work and those who have lost their jobs - but these new statistics show that more jobs are being created. We must do everything that we can to help people who are still struggling to obtain work and to help them find the opportunities that are becoming increasingly available."

Unemployment is measured by the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA).