A drop in the number of people claiming jobseekers allowance in Kingston is another welcome boost to the local economy, Cllr Liz Green said today.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported the UK has seen the largest annual fall in the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in more than 15 years.

In Kingston the claimant count in October showed a fall of 0.3% compared to the same time last year.

It means the number of people claiming the benefit fell by 318 to 1,689

Cllr Liz Green said:

“Today’s figures show the Liberal Democrats are delivering our promise to help people get off benefits and into work.

“There is a long way to go, but the economy is on the mend and jobs are crucial to building a stronger economy and the fairer society that allows everyone to get on in life.

“Nationally we have helped business create more than a million private sector jobs in Kingston and across the UK. Locally we’re investing in our high streets and promoting inward investment to strengthen our local economy.”