UNEMPLOYMENT rates in Maldon has been shown to be much lower than the national average in the latest figures.

Figures from the House of Commons Library show the number of claimants of unemployment-related benefits in the Maldon constituency in July was 1,160, or 2.1 per cent of the population aged from 16 to 64.

This figure is much lower compared to 3.7 per cent across the UK.

There were 160 claimants aged 18 to 24, which was 2.7 per cent of that age group. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 4.8 per cent.

Conservative Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale said: "The latest figures show there are almost four million more people in work since 2010 and that wages are now rising at their fastest rate ever.

“Locally, in the Maldon constituency, the rate of unemployment is 40 per cent below the national figure.

“While many people are finding it hard to afford the cost of living, the best security comes from a well-paid job and it is very encouraging that the number in work remains so high.”