Figures out today show that the number of people in work is at a record high. Here in Grantham & Stamford, the number of people who are unemployed has fallen by 362 a 20% drop – since 2010.

Employment has increased in the East Midlands, with 2,285,777 people in work – an increase of 185,777 more people in work since 2010.

I really welcome these new figures, which show that unemployment is at its lowest since 1975 and that the number of young people out of work has fallen by over 415,000 under the Conservatives. 

Under the Conservatives, a record number of people are now in work and the unemployment rate has reached its lowest level in over 40 years. And with wages rising faster than prices, pay packets are going further.

That means that more people than ever have the security of a job and can provide for their families. There is more to do to deliver more jobs and higher salaries, and our welfare reforms and modern Industrial Strategy aim to do exactly that. Labour would put all this at risk.

Only the Conservatives will continue to take the balanced approach our economy needs to support businesses to create better, higher paying jobs, ensuring a better future for Britain.