NEW figures show that the number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Basingstoke has fallen by nearly 600 in the last twelve months to 1,117.

The news has been welcomed by Basingstoke MP Maria Miller.

She notes that since 2010 the number of people in Basingstoke on unemployment benefits has fallen by more than 1,000.

“For too long, there were not the right incentives and the right support to help people get a job,” said Mrs Miller.

“The latest unemployment figures show that here in Basingstoke 600 people no longer have to rely on claiming unemployment benefits and can look forward to a more secure and brighter future.

“With the economy growing, and jobs being created locally like at the new Parcelforce depot, and in new retail stores like Home Bargains and Dunelm Mill, it’s clear that the long term economic plan is working, and here in Basingstoke the foundations of a broad based recovery are in place. There is more to do, but we need to stick to the plan, which is creating jobs, and delivering a more secure future for people in Basingstoke who want to work hard and get on in life.”