“Figures just published by the Office for National Statistics for December 2023 show that the number of benefits claimants in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency in December has fallen by 60 over the past 12 months and by 140 since March 2020.” says Michael Fabricant.

“These are superb figures and compare well nationally and internationally.

“There were 1,310 actual claimants in Lichfield constituency, which was 2.3% of the population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 3.7%. This compares well with 7.3% unemployment in France and a 6.5% average throughout the European Union.

“And the story is the same for youth unemployment.  There were 225 claimants aged 18-24, which was 3.8% of the population. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 4.9%.

“This reflects the high work ethic in the Lichfield constituency and the high level of skills in the local population” Michael adds.