THE number of people in Witham claiming Jobseeker's Allowance has gone down since last year.

Witham MP Priti Patel has welcomed figures showing there is a record rate of employment in the UK.

The employment rate stands at 74.2 per cent.

In Witham, the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants stands at 585.

Ms Patel said: "The security of a regular pay packet makes a big difference to families and the Government has been supporting getting those into employment with the biggest barriers.

“Our package of welfare reforms and the introduction of Universal Credit is helping to support more people into work.

"I am pleased that the Government’s long term economic plan is delivering employment for people living across the Witham constituency.”