SIR Bill Wiggin, Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire, has expressed his delight to see unemployment fall last month in his constituency.

Sir Bill said: “It is fantastic to see more of my constituents with jobs. Job security and a sense of self-worth are critical feelings and make an enormous difference to how people feel about themselves.”

Thirty-five less people claimed unemployment related benefits in April 2024, than they did in March.

The North Herefordshire claimant rate for April was 2.2 per cent, while the equivalent rate for the UK as a whole was 3.8 per cent.

Both these numbers are down from last month. 

In March the North Herefordshire rate was 2.3 per cent, while the UK rate was 3.9 per cent.

Sir Bill said: “That is why this figure is so important, it is about so much more than just the pay check.

“With our economy now growing the joint fastest in the G7, and our plans to scrap National Insurance, it’s good news for workers.

“There are around four million more people with a job since 2010, when the Conservatives came into Government.

“I’m proud that North Herefordshire is not only part of that achievement, but that we are consistently beating the national claimant rate.

“I hope that this trend continues, and that I can continue to report positive news to my constituents."