Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commenting on today’s ONS UK Labour Market Statistics said;

“While I welcome today’s fall in unemployment, worryingly the ONS’ figures also suggest that wage growth may have reached a turning point, with earnings increases falling against last month’s figures. This reflects what we already know about people on the lowest incomes, where poverty pay and job insecurity remain rife.  Employment rates also show wide regional differences, busting the myth of the government’s failed Northern Powerhouse rhetoric.

“The Tories are failing to stand up for working people. Theresa May should reverse the deep cuts made to Universal Credit that will leave 2.5 million working families on average £2,100 worse off.”