Unemployment levels in Carshalton and Wallington are below the regional and national average.

During July, 1,879 residents signed on – 3.8 per cent of those able and old enough to work.

The rate of unemployment nationally for the same period was 4.9 per cent and in London it was 5.5 per cent.

However, the July 2010 figure for those claiming jobseeker’s allowance was down by 160 compared with the same month in 2009 – a fall of 7.8 per cent.

According to the figures from the Office for National Statistics, the decrease in claimants in London during the same period was 3.1 per cent.

MP for Carshalton and Wallington Tom Brake said: “We are lucky to have a relatively robust economy in Sutton, but I still regularly meet constituents who are struggling to make ends meet.

“I will continue to work hard to resolve their problems and raise awareness of their plight.”