Figures released this week show that unemployment down to the lowest level since 1974

Unemployment hit a multi-decade low in the three months to August, official data showed on Tuesday. The Office for National Statistics said unemployment stood at 3.5 per cent — 0.3 percentage points down on the quarter and the lowest since 1974. 

And we’re doing well in our area. Locally, the figures released earlier this week show that there were 1,770 actual claimants in Norwich North constituency, which was 3.2% of the population aged 16-64, compared to a national rate of 3.7%.  

This shows that people in Norwich are more likely to be in employment than the national average across the whole country. 

These statistics confirm that the government's Plan For Jobs is bringing economic security to workers and more trade for businesses in Norwich. And there’s more to come - we will have even more opportunity coming to Norfolk with an Investment Zone, and acceleration of the Western Link road project which will help people get around and get to work.

As the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, I am determined to make sure we continue to deliver on our commitment to get more people into work and help them to succeed including by earning more. 

As the local MP for Norwich North, ensuring that we have more good jobs in Norwich is one of my priorities. To find out what I am doing to ensure this, please visit: https://www.chloesmith.org.uk/myplan/jobs   

I hope you find this information helpful. The government is committed to jobs, and so am I for us in Norwich. If I can help constituents with any matter, please do email me on chloe@chloesmith.org.uk or ring my constituency office on 01603 414756.