FIGURES released today confirming that a record number of people are now in work have been welcomed by a Runcorn MP.

Statistics show that there are 200,966 more people in employment in the north west since 2010.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans said: “Today sees another set of record-breaking figures with the rate of women in work at the highest since records began and the number of young people out of work down by hundreds of thousands.

“The number of people in Weaver Vale relying on the key out of work benefits has fallen by 1,096 since 2010 – a 55 per cent drop – as businesses are able to get more people into work, helped by the decisions Conservatives have taken to strengthen our economy.”

The figures show average wages are growing ahead of inflation, he said, and the number of children living in jobless households has fallen.

Mr Evans added: “We know there is more to do to build an economy that works for everyone and we will continue to work hard to help even more people benefit from the opportunities in our economy.”