REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley has welcomed news that unemployment in the town is below three per cent.

The number of unemployed claimants in the Redditch constituency in November 2013 was 1,372.

This represents a rate of 2.9 per cent, well below the national and regional average and almost 500 people lower than this time last year.

The MP said: "Seeing unemployment in Redditch fall below three per cent is absolutely fantastic news and I am delighted that the Government’s measures to get people back into work are working in this town.

"There are almost 500 more people in work than this time last year and that is a huge difference. The economy is growing at its fastest rate in many years and next year it is forecast to grow even more.

"Getting people into employment is one of the key priorities of any Government and here in Redditch, I am hearing good news from businesses across the town about order books filling up and more staff being taken on.”

Mrs Lumley added: “Working to help business has been one of my key priorities since being elected and I will continue to do all I can, including working with senior Redditch business leaders and local schools to ensure that those leaving education have the necessary skills to help advance local business growth.”