Figures published today by the Office of National Statistics show that unemployment in Pendle in September was 99 lower than August. 

The number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Pendle last month was 2,149.

This represents 5.4% of the economically active population and is the 306^th highest of the 646 UK constituencies. 

The number of unemployed people claiming JSA in Pendle is 833 higher than in September 2008. 

Speaking from Westminster the MP said: “The banking crisis and the drying up of credit made life very difficult for many businesses. But things seem to be easing and there are encouraging signs that the economy has stabilised."