Unemployment in East Dunbartonshire at a six-year low

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that just 1.5 per cent of people in the area are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance.

For May 2014 there were 607 unemployed claimants in East Dunbartonshire, a fall of 26 from the previous month.

The numbers mean the area is one of the lowest in the UK for unemployment levels.

East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson has welcomed the latest figures and believes the success of local jobs programmes has had a major influence.

She said: “I am delighted that the number unemployed locally has fallen to its lowest since May 2008, which means more people in East Dunbartonshire are in work providing support for themselves and their families.

“Promoting job creation and opportunities locally has been a key priority of mine, which is why I organised my Get East Dunbartonshire Working initiative and Jobs Fair to help people find work.”

Ms Swinson added: “The Liberal Democrats in government have helped create two million new private sector jobs since 2010, and we are committed to growing a stronger, rebalanced economy to support and create many more across the country.