Andrew Bridgen spoke out after it was revealed there was a record level of employment across the UK as a whole – with more than 2.2 million more people enjoying the security of a job than in 2010.

In North West Leicestershire, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while not in employment has fallen by 865 – a 62 per cent drop since 2010.

The figures also show that average pay was up 2.4 per cent while inflation was close to flat. This means working people across North West Leicestershire are seeing their wages grow and the plan for a higher employment and higher wage economy was working.

With employment at a record 73.9 per cent, the recent official statistics from the Office of National Statistics show that the economic plan is working – creating jobs and growing pay packets for families in North West Leicestershire as the Government moves towards the goal of full employment, he said.

Tory MP Mr Bridgen welcomed the news, saying: “Today’s figures are good news for families in North West Leicestershire this new year.