Minister for Employment, Damian Hinds said:

The strength of the economy is driving an increase in full-time, permanent jobs and a near-record number of people are now in work thanks to the Government’s welfare reforms.

When unemployment fell to 5% early last year, many people thought it couldn’t get much lower, and yet it now stands at 4.3%.

Everyone should be given the opportunity to find work and enjoy the stability of a regular pay packet. We’ve cut income tax for 30 million people since 2010, meaning people keep more of their money each month.

Today’s (Nov 16) employment figures also show:

.         The number of people in employment has increased by more than 3 million since 2010.

·         The UK has the 3rd highest employment rate in the G7.

·         The number of workers aged 50+ has almost reached 10 million - a record level.

·         Youth unemployment has fallen by over 40% since 2010.

·         There are a near record 780,000 vacancies in the economy at any one time.

·         The proportion of young people who are unemployed and not in full time education remains below 5%.