THE fall in unemployment in the UK of 75,000 in the three months to July has been welcomed by Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who has seen local unemployment in his constituency halve since 2010.

The unemployment rate of 4.3 per cent is the lowest since 1975 and the employment rate of 74.9 per cent is the highest since records began in 1971.

Mr Stride said: “There must be no room for complacency – there is a great deal more to do to ensure that wages keep up with inflation for instance – but these are a very encouraging set of figures.

“Particularly welcome is the significant fall in youth unemployment which stands at 12.5 per cent for 16-24 year-olds. This is down from 13.5 per cent this time last year and down from 22.5 per cent in 2011.

“There are fewer economic issues more important than ensuring as many young people as possible are in work, further education or embarking on a career through an apprenticeship.”

Alan Quick