New official figures show employment in Perth and Kinross has risen by 4,000 under the Conservative-led UK Government.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show employment in the area is now at 72,000 or 76.5%, a rise of 4,000 since May 2011. This means that unemployment has reduced from 6.3% to 4.8% in the area over the Conservatives time in office.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimant numbers in Perth and Kinross continues to fall, and currently stands at 1474 claimants. This is a fall of 447 or 23% since May 2011.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“These figures show that the Conservative Government’s economic plan is working and helping to build a stronger, healthier economy in Perth and Kinross.
“Policies like tax cuts for businesses, the cap on benefits and cuts to income tax for those on low incomes means more people are moving into work and more households now have the security of a pay packet.
“Perth and Kinross continues to perform well compared to Scotland and compared to the United Kingdom, but we need to stick to the economic plan which is delivering these good results.”