UNEMPLOYMENT across the UK is at its lowest rate in more than a decade, according to recent statistics.

Figure released by the labour market show that unemployment is down by 900,000 since 2010 and 208,000 more people are back to work in the south west during the same period.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray has welcomed the news that in his local area the number of people claiming benefits has fallen by 550 – or a 59 per cent drop – since 2010.

Mr Gray said: “We start the New Year with another encouraging set of figures, which show the strength of our economy as we step up to the challenges of 2017.

“With a record high employment rate for women and over half a million more disabled people in work over the last three years, we have made real progress creating a strong economy and we will continue that work as we build a country that works for everyone – with more people sharing in our country’s prosperity.”