THE MP for Stroud has welcomed new figures that reveal a brighter future for those in work or looking for employment.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael has described the statistics – that show 770 fewer people are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the Stroud constituency since 2010, a 55 per cent drop – as “excellent”.

The figures mean that a lot more people are in work with the security of a regular pay packet.

People are getting off benefits and into work across the South West, with 131,000 more people in work compared to the last election.

Throughout Britain the number of people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance has fallen below 1 million for the first time since 2008.

Mr Carmichael said: “It’s excellent news that 770 fewer people are relying on benefits to get by across the Valleys and Vale. This makes a huge difference to people’s lives, meaning many more local people can look forward to a brighter, more secure future, for themselves and their families.

“This has happened because, as part of the Conservatives’ long-term economic plan, the Government has been reforming welfare so it rewards the willingness to work and backing businesses to create new jobs.

“As these figures show that plan is working, getting us closer to our target for full employment. We need to keep working through the plan, so more families in Stroud can have the security of a real job and a regular pay packet.”