PHILIP Dunne, MP for the Ludlow, has welcomed latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics revealing a fall in unemployment in south Shropshire.

The figures showed the unemployment claimant count in south Shropshire fell to 445 in December 2016 – a reduction of 57 per cent since May 2010.

“These latest figures from the ONS show the strength and resilience of the labour market, which is good news as we prepare to face down the challenges of 2017,” said Philip Dunne.

“This comes as both the Bank of England and International Monetary Fund have revised up their growth forecasts for Britain.

“It is encouraging that since 2010, the unemployment claimant count in south Shropshire has more than halved and average wages have increased by £50 a week.

“The government’s focus on building a strong economy that works for everyone means more families in the Ludlow constituency now have the security that comes from regular work and a fair wage.”