Saffron Walden should be “proud” after the latest unemployment figures revealed the unemployment rate in the area continues to drop.

There were 718 claimants in the Saffron Walden constituency in November, 328 lower than November last year and 38 fewer than last month – meaning a new record low unemployment rate of 1.4 per cent.

Sir Alan Haselhurst MP said: “These falling unemployment figures are good news for the area. We have seen a downward trend in the past two years in the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

“As with any economic news, we have to be cautious about the data but it is another step in the right direction and hopefully in the coming months we will see the unemployment rate fall further. Whilst there may be some way to go in the economic recovery, this is extremely encouraging news and something we should be proud of.”