Jobless claimants slashed over year
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Local MP DAnny Alexander (Lib Dem) has welcomed the news that the number of unemployed claimants in his Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey constituency has dropped by a third since January last year.
The number of claimants in January 2014 was 1,103, 741 fewer than the year before.
The figure represents 2.1% of the total areas population, giving Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey one of the lowest unemployment claimant rates in the country (Scotland avg. 4.3%, UK avg. 4.0%).
In the same period, youth unemployment claimants have halved from 365 (5%) in January 2013 to 170 (2.3%) in January 2014.
Welcoming the news, Danny Alexander said: "It is well known that the Highlands have very strong employment rates. But this rise in employment is a very welcome sign that our work in Government is on the right track.
"In government the Liberal Democrats are building a stronger economy and fairer society.
"Since 2010 we have helped create 1.5million jobs across the UK - through investing in hi-tech manufacturing, infrastructure and making employment more affordable for small businesses.
"There is still a lot of work to be done, but higher employment rates and a growing economy are a significant step in the right direction."
