UNEMPLOYMENT figures in Maldon have decreased by over 100 people in the past year, as the East of England sees a record number of people now in work.

The latest Labour Market Statistics (LMS) were released last Wednesday, which showed that the claimant count (people registered to be on job seekers’ allowance and universal credit) for Maldon is at 350.

This figure is 10 less than January, and 100 less than the figure released in March 2015.

The LMS were released in National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration of the positive effects apprenticeships have on people and the wider economy, promoting the many different areas of work available for the unemployed.

The whole of the East of England saw a surge in employment, with the number now standing at 3.03 million - 83,000 more than last year.

Employment minister for the East of England, Priti Patel, believes the new figures to be extremely encouraging with a bright future ahead for the East.

“This is another strong set of figures showing private sector employment at the highest since records began, wages rising and a near record number of job vacancies available in the UK economy. This strength is a real credit to hard-working people and businesses alike, she said.

“There’s really good news for the East of England, with a record 3 million people in work, and the highest employment rate of any UK region, now at 78%.”