Number of people in full-time work hits all time high as unemployment falls to lowest level for 45 years

More people than ever are now in employment across the north west with figures out today showing that in the region there are now 3,493,424 people in work – meaning that 314,450 more people have been able to access the security of a job.

Official ONS figures show that the unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level in nearly half a century. And there are more people than ever in secure jobs with 24.2 million in full-time employment.

Wages have risen ahead of prices for the 20th consecutive month, meaning families have greater financial security and can plan for their future with confidence and the number of disabled people in work has also increased to a record high.

Combined with yesterday’s news that the economy continues to grow, the figures show that the UK’s economic fundamentals are strong despite the threat of a weak coalition government led by Corbyn’s Labour and two chaotic referendums next year.

These figures show the underlying strengths of our economy – with millions of people benefiting from a sustained boost in pay and access to a regular pay cheque. The Conservatives have a proven track record on delivering on jobs, with 3.7 million more people in work since 2010.


Commenting on the figures, Therese Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:

 “These figures are another sign that the fundamentals of the British economy are strong with the unemployment rate lower than at any point in nearly half a century. This Conservative Government has created 3.7 million jobs through sensible management of our economy. We should not let Labour throw all that hard work away. 

“In the next few weeks, voters face a crucial choice. A Conservative government led by Boris Johnson that gets Brexit done, and is able to focus on people’s priorities like creating jobs, the NHS and our schools. Or Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister, and an economy buckling under the strain of soaring borrowing and the chaos of another two referendums. 

 “Every Labour Government has left office with higher unemployment than when they came in. A Corbyn led Labour Government would see everyone paying an extra £2,400 a year in tax to fund their reckless spending plans, this is the equivalent of an entire month’s pay for the average worker.”