DELYN MP David Hanson has shared his concern that unemployment has remained above 1,000 people in the constituency. This meaning that the last time unemployment dipped below 1,000 was August 2018.

The total number of unemployed claimants in Delyn constituency in April 2019 was 1,170, which represents a rate of 3.6 per cent of the economically active population aged 16-64.

According to data, the UK unemployment rate - which includes people not claiming benefits and is estimated from survey data - was 3.8 per cent in January to March 2019.

The number of claimants in Delyn constituency is 160 higher than April 2018 and 5 lower than March 2019.

Figures also show that there were 260 claimants aged 18-24 in April 2019, 40 higher than April 2018.

Mr Hanson said: “It has now been eight long months since unemployment in Delyn was below 1,000 people.

"The derisory fall of unemployment by just five people between March and April 2019 covers up the fact that the UK Government isn’t focussing on how to get people in decent long-term jobs.

"Youth unemployment remains too high and with each passing month of a young person not being in education or employment means a month of wasted talent and ability for our local economy.

“Yet again we see the UK Government hailing their successes in bringing down unemployment, but it only demonstrates that they are ignoring constituencies like ours.

"We must not forget that those that can find work are having to do so with increasing frequency via zero-hours contracts and agency work. "Meaning that people have limited employment rights and pay that doesn’t meet the cost of living.

"Continued inaction from the UK Government on these terrible working practices ensures generations of people are locked into poorly paid employment.

“Flintshire has some of the most talented workforce in the country, if not the world, when it comes to manufacturing and engineering. "Whereas the Welsh Government and Flintshire Council invest in this talent the UK Government pursues policies that drive employers away.

"They are more concerned about who gets to sit in Downing Street than people’s livelihoods.

"We need a government that invests in the UKs economy and redistributes wealth and opportunity from South East England.”