UNEMPLOYMENT rates in the Salisbury constituency have dropped to 0.9 per cent according to new figures released by the Office of National Statistics.

The latest results mean that Salisbury is placed 21 out of 650 constituencies when it comes to people claiming unemployment benefits in the UK.

Last month only 429 people in Salisbury claimed job seekers’ allowance – a drop of 370 compared to July 2013.

This remains well below the national average which is 6.4 per cent.

John Glen, Salisbury MP, said: “This is extremely welcome news and provides strong evidence that the tough decisions taken by the Coalition Government are having a positive impact on the local economy.

“There is a lot more to be done and I remain concerned to see the right support is put in place to help the 410 who remain unemployed in the constituency.”