PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed the news that the UK unemployment rate remains lowest level since the 1970s, according to new figures.

The total number of unemployed claimants in his constituency in January 2017 was 1,145.

This represents a rate of 2.8 per cent of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 241st highest of the 650 UK constituencies.

The total number of claimants, both Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, 95 lower than in March 2016.

There were 245 claimants aged 18-24 in Pendle in March last year, 55 lower than last month.

Mr Stephenson said: “The Office of National Statistics figures are again very encouraging.”