Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb has welcomed encouraging jobs data for the constituency as the area recovers from the pandemic.

Latest figures from the House of Commons Library found a 29% fall in adult jobless rate since March 2021 and a 48% fall in the 18-24 jobless rate.

The unadjusted figures found there were 2,565 claimants in Webb's Stourbridge constituency in December 2021 - this is 4.7% of the population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 4.4%.

In March 2021, 3605 adults were out of work and 795 aged 18-24. Suzanne said:

“These latest figures are very encouraging and show the economy locally is really starting to take on workers and expand, especially for the younger workforce. However, we are still slightly above the national unemployment rate and this is the challenge.

“My priority for the constituency has always been jobs, jobs, jobs. This news is welcome but we must attract more investment because that means more and better work opportunities.

“The Government is committed to levelling up and the council is applying to the fund while Kickstart is getting young people into careers.

“I will work with the council, business, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and with ministers to make sure we generate the jobs we need. We need a joined-up approach.”