THE MP for Central Devon has praised the latest set of job figures, showing employment levels in the South West have risen faster than any other region outside London in the past quarter. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that 59,000 more people were in work in May compared with February. Welcoming the news, Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: 'The latest figures are yet another encouraging sign for those living and working in the South West as more people are being employed year on year. 'I am also pleased that national unemployment has also fallen considerably, now standing at 6.6%, the lowest in five years.' The number of people in work in the UK rose by 345,000 this quarter, meaning 1.69 million more people are in work compared with May 2010. The number of people receiving Job Seekers' Allowance has fallen by 408,000 over the same period.