Sutton and Cheam's employment rate higher than national average (From Your Local Guardian)

Sutton and Cheam's employment rate higher than national average

4:50am Friday 19th October 2012 in Top Stories By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

Sutton and Cheam’s employment rate is two per cent higher than the national average.

New figures reveal that national employment has hit a record high of 29.59m.

The constituency of Sutton and Cheam has an employment rate of 73.2 per cent – almost two per cent higher than the national average.

The figures which were released by parliamentary constituency, also show that there are still vacancies available, with 553 in Sutton and Cheam alone.

This equates to 2.4 Job Seekers Allowance claimants per vacancy.

In comparison, neighbouring Mitcham and Morden has just 242 vacancies, with 11.8 claimants per vacancy.

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow said: “This is good news for people living in Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park, and highlights what happens when innovative councils take the initiative and work hard with local business to keep unemployment down.

“The contrast with neighbouring Mitcham and Morden is stark, and I hope they learn from the fine example shown by Sutton.

“There is of course more to do, and we must not be complacent.

"I promise to keep working with local business and Sutton Council to promote growth and employment to ensure there are even more opportunities, especially for our young people.”