STROUD MP Neil Carmichael has welcomed new figures which show a 51 per cent drop in the number of people who rely on Jobseeker's Allowance.

More than 700 people in the Stroud Valleys and Vale have got off benefits since 2010 with more jobs being created in manufacturing companies like Renishaw, Lister Shearing and Delphi Diesel Systems.

Mr Carmichael said: “It’s excellent news that since 2010 there are 705 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance in the Stroud Valleys and Vale. That means many more local people with a better and brighter future ahead of them and their families.

“We’ve been backing businesses like Renishaw, Delphi and Lister Shearing to create more jobs as part of the Conservatives’ long-term economic plan.

“As these figures show that plan is working. We need to stick to it. It’s the only way to keep the economy growing, and keep businesses creating jobs, so that we keep moving towards our target for full employment, and more families in Stroud get the security of a real job and a regular pay packet.”