UNEMPLOYMENT in Witham has fallen by 17 percent in the last year according to new figures.

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, has welcomed government statistics showing the employment rate in the UK is now at a record high.

74.6 percent of working aged population in the UK are now considered in work whilst the number of jobseekers allowance claimants in Witham has fallen from 120 to 100.

Ms Patel said: "Over the last year more families in Witham have the security of a regular pay packet and that is down to the Government’s reforms and the commitment of local job creating businesses.”