Unemployment Down by a Third in Just Over a Year as Bedford Borough Jobless Rate Falls to Lowest Level Since 2008

Mayor Dave Hodgson has welcomed the latest unemployment figures which show the jobless rate in Bedford Borough has fallen by a massive 32% since February last year. Figures published by the Office of National Statistics show that the proportion of people of working age claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in May fell to 2.9%, the lowest level since 2008 and down from over 4% one year ago, in May 2013.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "These figures are hugely encouraging, and it is tremendous news that the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance has fallen by as much as a third in just over a year. This continues an ongoing trend of falling unemployment locally, and with much still to do to bring the numbers down further we must work to keep up this progress in support of those people out of work. We will keep working to attract new investment and jobs to the Borough, and through the Jobs Hub and the important work of the Apprenticeship Challenge we are committed to expanding opportunities available for local residents."