REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley has welcomed figures showing the number of people on benefits in the borough has dropped by 1,324 in six years, despite a small rise in those out of work in the latest published statistics.

She said more families across Redditch - as well as the West Midlands region and the UK as a whole - now had the security of a regular pay packet than in 2010.

The number of people claiming key "out of work" benefits in Redditch had fallen by 1,324 - 60 per cent - in the last six years, she said.

"These figures show employment is growing across all the regions and nations of the UK, as we build a Britain that works for everyone," said Mrs Lumley.

“As the number of workless households is down to an all-time low, we are delivering more economic security and providing opportunities that give families in Redditch the best chance in life.

"Our job now is to build on this success and create an economy that works for everyone, so people can benefit from the opportunities that are being created regardless of who they are or where they live.”

Data for June showed an increase of four people claiming benefits in Redditch, bringing the total of 889, while in neighbouring Bromsgrove there was a rise of seven, to 555.

However the Wyre Forest district saw a fall, with 699 claiming benefits - a drop of seven