West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today welcomed news that the national employment rate has risen to record high alongside the highest ever number of vacancies. And locally, only 462 people are claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, down a massive 63 percent in West Worcestershire since 2010. Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, commented: “Today’s figures show the employment rate has risen to a record high of 73.5 per cent, with the private sector continuing to create new jobs and delivering growth both nationally and locally. "Average pay growth is at 2.9 per cent, youth unemployment continues to fall and there are record numbers of vacancies. "In West Worcestershire the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance fell to 462 - 208 fewer than last year and 63 per cent lower than in 2010. "I am pleased with the continued downward trend and welcome the numbers of new jobs being created on a week-by-week basis. "However, it is important that we continue our aim towards full employment and I hope that our world-class businesses in Worcestershire will keep growing and creating new jobs to give local people the security of a regular pay packet.”