New
figures published by the Office for National Statistics show the UK is
experiencing the strongest labour market for a generation.
The
figures show there are 28.16 million people in work in the UK, up 5,000 since
October 2003, and up 156,000 compared to this time last year.
The
number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance has fallen to below 900,000 for
the first time since 1975.
Des
Browne, minister of state for work, said the figures gave the Government the
opportunity to focus on helping people on benefits who faced barriers to work.
"This
government is committed to providing the help and support they need to take up
work," he said.
