A couple of months ago I gave a quick employment update following the publication of the monthly claimant count numbers by the House of Commons Library, and I was pleased to note at the time that once again South Northamptonshire had only 0.7 per cent of our economically active population claiming benefits. We were joint first, out of all the 46 East Midlands constituencies, for having the highest proportion of people in work, and the 17th lowest claimant rate anywhere in the country.

I am delighted therefore that the recent statistics, published by the Commons Library for October, show that the number of claimants is continuing to fall as more and more people find new work opportunities. Our claimant rate has now fallen to only 0.6 per cent of the economically active population, and South Northants holds the status as 6th lowest claimant rate.

The South Northants Job Club in Brackley, which I established several years ago, will be stopping at various locations in the town on the 22nd November and 8th December, and is focused on helping people find their way back into work, training, and education.

On both days, you can find the Job Club at:

• 10am – 10.50am | Poppyfields Way (near Juliet Drive)
• 11am – 12.20pm | Old Fire Station
• 12.30pm – 1.50pm | Market Place
• 2pm – 3.15pm | Tesco (near A43)
• 3.30pm – 4.30pm | Pavillons Way (near Springfield Way)

On hand to provide advice and support will be the Northamptonshire Credit Union, the National Careers Service, SNC Job Match, Debt and Welfare Advice, the South Northants Volunteer Bureau, SNC Enterprise Club, Lancaster House Associates, and others.

You can find more information about the Job Club for both jobseekers and employers on the SNC website at www.southnorthants.gov.uk/job-club, and it normally alternates between Towcester and Brackley libraries every Tuesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm.