Drop in number of unemployment benefit claimants in Harlow

THE number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Harlow has fallen by more than 12 per cent over the past year, according to latest Government figures.

A report published by the Office for National Statistics earlier this week shows that 346 fewer residents were claiming Jobseekers Allowance compared to 2010, corresponding with a national reduction in the number of benefit claims.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon said he believed the drop was indicative of increasing employment opportunities in the town.

"Rome wasn’t built in a day but this is hopefully a sign of the beginning of the end of the worst," he said.

"The figures are a small indication that we are getting the economy back on track and work in line with what has previously been reported about increased job opportunities in the area, for example with companies like Comet expanding."

He added: "There is still work to be done to help reduce the number of people who are out of work even further."

Vance Rowe, chairman of Harlow Chamber of Commerce, said the figures were a step in the right direction.

"We at the chamber are working hard with West Essex Business Alliance and Harlow Council to secure investment in Harlow," he said. "I also understand that there are some more businesses coming into the town soon, so I would expect unemployment levels to also see a decrease."

Harlow Council leader Andrew Johnson said he welcomed any sign that the recession was coming to an end.

He added: "Our priority has got to be on continuing to develop plans to boost business investment in Harlow and to encourage companies to set up here.

"Hand in hand with that goes our continuing plan to renew Harlow town centre north and bring in new retailers.

"The council can’t create jobs on its own but it can create the right environment to attract business, and in Harlow we’re working very hard to foster that climate."