Kevin Foster, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Torbay, has welcomed new figures showing 1,345 fewer people in Torquay and Paignton claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance compared to January 2010 - a 46 per cent drop and 770 less than this time last year. This means more people in work, with the self-respect and security of a good job and a regular pay packet.
People are getting off benefits and into work across the south west with 115,000 more people in work since the last election.
Overall there are now a record 30.9 million people in work, with 1.85 million more people in work since the last election. The employment rate, at 73.2 per cent is also the highest on record.
These new jobs are not insecure or poorly paid. Three quarters of new jobs since the last election are full-time, and as the new figures also confirm pay is now rising above inflation - with total pay up 2.1 per cent on the year, well ahead of inflation, which was 0.9 per cent over the period.
Jobs are being created by businesses like Gooch and Housego in Torquay, who have benefited from Regional Growth Funding to expand their business at the cutting edge of hi-tech products.
Kevin said: "770 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance in Torquay and Paignton is real progress and alongside the news that wages are rising faster than prices, it’s clear that the Conservatives’ long term economic plan is delivering a more financially secure future for families in our area.
‘This is happening because we’ve been working through our plan, backing businesses with better infrastructure, such as the South Devon Link Road, and lower jobs taxes to create more real jobs. These jobs are not insecure or poorly paid. In fact three quarters of new jobs have been full-time and wages are rising. Locally we’ve seen this working with new jobs at businesses like Gooch and Housego.
‘Voters in the bay will have a clear choice in May. Either stick with the Conservatives’ long term economic plan for our bay, our region and our country, which is delivering jobs, or vote for parties & candidates that offer no clear plan for the future and the prospect of Ed Miliband in Downing Street."