Last week’s economic figures show that employment remains at a record high and unemployment at a 40-year low.

There are also 1.6 million more women in work than in 2010. The UK has the 3rd highest employment rate in the G7 and the rate of employment is now 75.6% – the highest since comparable records began. Across Aldridge-Brownhills unemployment continues to fall and stands below the national average at 2%.

This is welcome news and we should also recognise the role of local employers and businesses in helping to achieve this.

Wages are rising faster than prices which is good news, but there is more to do on our path to create a stronger and fairer economy for the benefit of everyone.