JUSTIN Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, has welcomed news that the overall employment rate is at record high.

Figures released yesterday by The Office of National Statistics show that the employment rate is at 75.7 per cent, with most of the growth being in both full-time and permanent roles.

The number of people unemployment also remains at 4.2 per cent- the joint lowest since 1975.

The MP for North Swindon, who was recently promoted to be a minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “There are record numbers of people in work and the unemployment rate has reached its lowest level in over 40 years. And with wages rising faster than prices, pay packets are going further.

“That means that more people than ever have the security of a job and can provide for their families. There is more to do to deliver more jobs and higher salaries, and our welfare reforms and modern Industrial Strategy aim to do exactly that.

“Only the Conservatives will continue to take the balanced approach our economy needs to support businesses to create better, higher paying jobs, ensuring a better future for Britain.”

There are now 3.3 million more people are now in work since 2010, with an average 1,000 more people in work each day.

Out of those 3 million people now in work, 75 per cent are now in full-time and permanent roles, and around 70 per cent are in higher skilled occupations which generally attract higher wages.