The number of people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen to its lowest rate since 2005 according to official figures. And locally, people claiming benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in West Worcestershire numbered 475 – down 62 per cent since 2010. Nationally, two and a half million more people have the security of a regular pay packet than in 2010, according to the Office of National Statistics. Harriett commented: “The continuing trend of low unemployment is very good news with just one per cent of the working population having to claim benefit. “However, we must continue working towards our ambition of full employment in the county and I will keep working with local employers who want to grow and take on more staff. “There are also more jobs at this time of year in seasonal work and it is important that we keep helping every person currently out of work towards the security of a regular pay packet. “Let’s not put all this at risk on June 23. Let’s choose a stronger, safer and better off future within the European Union.”