Labour is working

Another month, another vote of confidence in Labour's economic and labour market policies.  Figures out this week show unemployment is down and employment is up – again.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show employment at record levels. There are 28.16 million people in work in the UK, up five thousand this quarter and 156 thousand compared to this time last year.

The UK has the strongest labour market for a generation. We have record numbers in work, unemployment is falling and job vacancies are high. Labour's stewardship of the economy has delivered economic security and the right climate for growth.

Claimant unemployment rates, now below three per cent, are the best figures since 1975. This gives us the opportunity to go further, by extending help to people on other benefits who face barriers to work.

Labour is committed to providing the help and support those on benefit need to take up work.  Reforms, such as the New Deal and Jobcentre Plus, ensure work for those who can work and security for those who cannot.

The New Deal, which has been central to our success in moving people into work, would be scrapped by the Tories. The Working Tax Credit and the minimum wage are also at risk under Michael Howard.

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