EMPLOYMENT rates in Barrow are at their highest in over 40 years, according to new figures.

Recent data revealed that the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits in Barrow has fallen by 702 since 2010.

This is an overall reduction of 36 per cent, meaning fewer people now need the support of income benefits because they have the security of a job.

The figures show that wages have risen at their fastest pace in over a decade as the unemployment rate is at its lowest since 1975, at 3.9 per cent.

Simon Fell, Conservative Spokesman for Barrow and Furness has welcomed these figures.

He said:

"These figures show our balanced approach to the economy is working.

"With local elections soon approaching, it is the Conservatives who have a proven record of delivering for people up and down the country.

"There are more people in work than ever before, and the Conservatives will continue to help people build a better future for themselves and their families.

“Labour don’t know how to handle the economy and would hurt the people they claim they want to help, just like last time."

The figures also show that there are currently 3,505,250 people in work across the North West which is a rise of 326,276 more people in employment than 2010.

According to the statistics, wages have also risen at their fastest pace in over a decade as employment reaches a record high, with more than 32.6 million people currently in work.

There is also a record number of disabled people in work; a record low unemployment rate; and a record female employment rate

Bill McEwan, Mayor of Barrow, said the new figures are an encouraging sign but there is still a long way to go.

He said:

"The drop in unemployment rights is a really positive step towards getting as many people in work as possible.

"I imagine a lot of that is through BAE which employs a significant margin of the town's population.

"I've always said local labour should be employed before any other contractors.

"These new figures are very encouraging to see but there are still food banks in operation and people living on the poverty line.

"We can't ignore the number of people which are relying on foodbanks and universal credit within the town.

"However, I do see this as a positive step in the right direction.