THE number of people claiming out of work benefits in Hyndburn is at a record low, new figures have revealed.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) research shows the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) was at its lowest in January since records began.

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The total fell by 627 from January 2014 to January 2015, a fall of 41.8 per cent.

The Conservative party’s Hyndburn candidate for May’s general election, businessman Kevin Horkin, said: “This is absolutely tremendous news for the borough.

“The figures published by the ONS show that at its height under the last Labour government in January 2010, when 2,185 people were claiming JSA, there has been a fall of 1,312 or 60.05% for the January figures.

“These aren’t figures which are made up.

“They aren’t estimates - they are there for everyone to see.”

He said: “These figures aren’t just good – they’re exceptional – the JSA Count is even lower than it was during the Blair years.

“It is difficult to argue against data of this kind. It is proof positive if evidence were needed that the government’s long-term economic plan is working.”

The former mayor of Clitheroe, who owns nine opticians and countrywear stores across the north west, was chosen by Tory party members to lead the campaign to usurp Labour’s Graham Jones after a vote last month.