Business confidence and welfare reform key to fall in local unemployment

Commenting on the figures released today that show a further drop in unemployment in Preseli Pembrokeshire last month, local MP Stephen Crabb said:
“These encouraging figures show yet another fall in the number of jobless people in Preseli Pembrokeshire. Compared to this time last year there are now hundreds fewer people claiming unemployment benefit locally.”
“We are beginning to see the positive impact of changes to the welfare system. For far too long the system has prevented people from getting out to work. The figures today show that more people are now getting back into the jobs market as a result of the changes.”
“Speaking to local business owners each week, it is clear that there is growing optimism about the economy and their own growth opportunities. However, there is a lot yet to be done to ensure the economic recovery is a lasting one.”
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that the number of unemployed claimants in the Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency is 298 lower than in September 2012 and 22 lower than in August 2013.