Unemployment in Sutton has fallen to its lowest level in three years, according to new statistics.

Figures released last week by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Carshalton and Wallington has fallen by 240 since June last year.

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake welcomed the news and said: "This is more great news for our area and for the many people in Carshalton and Wallington who have now found jobs."

"These figures show that the difficult choices that we have had to make to get people back in work are beginning to pay dividends."

"Jobs are fundamental in creating a stronger economy and fairer society. There is however no room for complacency. We need to ensure the recovery gains in strength."

Figures released by ONS show that the number of JSA claimants locally has been falling consistently since February 2013, and is also at its lowest since the last general election in May 2010.

According to the data, there were 1,773 JSA claimants in Carshalton and Wallington in June 2013 - a  3.5 per cent of the entire local working-age population.

This is below the London-average of 4.8 per cent and the UK-wide figure of 4.6 per cent.

Encouraging signs of improvement from previous months has been recorded in the over 50 age group, which experienced a four per cent annual drop from June 2012.

The figures also show a further significant decline in the local youth unemployment rate.

There were 340 18-24 year olds in Carshalton and Wallington receiving JSA in June 2013 - 150 fewer than in June 2012 and 145 fewer than in May 2010.

At 4.4 per cent, the youth unemployment rate in Carshalton and Wallington has fallen below the London average of 4.9 and UK-wide rate of 6.2 per cent.

 

TODAY'S TOP SUTTON STORIES