Economic recovery

LAST week's positive employment figures are further evidence that the economy is turning the corner.

Unemployment has fallen by 5% over the last year and is now at its lowest level since the General Election. The number of workless households is the lowest on record. I always keep a very close eye on employment rates in Central Devon – in August there were 776 of my constituents claiming unemployment benefits, this being 22% less than the same time last year.

Whilst any level of unemployment is unsatisfactory Central Devon is now in the lowest 10% of constituencies across the country for unemployment.

These better job figures need to be seen in the context of a number of important upgrades to forecasts for economic growth with, for example, the internationally respected OECD upping its forecast for this year from 0.8% to 1.5%.

This performance is a great tribute to the hard work and ingenuity of our business community — not least the vital small and medium size companies that provide the bulk of the jobs in our economy.

My constituency is particularly blessed with small businesses (including many farmers and some great high street traders) with around 96% employing less than ten people.

It is these businesses that I have been most keen to support as an MP.

I visit over a hundred businesses and organisations in Central Devon a year to gauge how they are doing, to understand their problems and to press on these issues in Parliament. Last month I organised a gathering of MPs to lobby the Chancellor and pressed him hard on red tape and tax.

I am always keen to meet with businesses locally and if you would like me to visit for a chat do please get in touch. You can reach me at http://www.melstridemp.com">www.melstridemp.com