NEW figures have shown that employments figures in Basingstoke and Deane have dropped once again.

According to figures released by the Office of National Statistics, 86.5 per cent of working age borough residents are currently in employment.

This means that the number of people who are claiming unemployment benefits has once again dropped month-on-month.

The number of unemployed claimants in Basingstoke fell in September 2017 to 820, which is five less people compared to those claiming in August.

This continual drop in people claiming job seekers or unemployment benefits has been praised by Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller.

Mrs Miller, pictured, said: “It is good news that Basingstoke continues to have one of the lowest levels of unemployment in the country.

“With such a high rate of employment in the town, it is particularly important that all Basingstoke residents who are looking for work get the expert help they need to find a job.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council says the proposed redevelopment of the leisure park, a new retail park in Brighton Hill and the Village Hotels in Basing View project will all bring more jobs to the town.

Leader of the borough council, Councillor Clive Sanders said: “We continue to maintain high levels of employment in the borough because of a diverse business base and jobs available at all levels.

“One of our key priorities is supporting business already here and attracting new employers to the area.

“We are working hard with our partners to ensure the appropriate skills, facilities and infrastructure are in place to meet the needs of both existing and new companies to continue to offer a range of good employment opportunities to our residents.”