There are now 45,000 more people in work than there were a year ago in the East Midlands and more than 37,000 fewer people are unemployed, according to figures released this morning.

The Office for National Statistics issued its latest monthly regional employment bulletin earlier, which showed there were 2.225m people aged 16-64 in employment in the three months to March 2015, compared to 2.18m in the same period in 2014.

The number of unemployed people was 114,447, compared to 151,574 in 2014, meaning the regional unemployment rate currently stands at 5.1%, compared to the national rate of 5.5%.

The number of people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) fell by 431 in April, meaning there were 6,666 fewer claimants across the area than there were a year ago.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has welcomed the figures.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive, said: “Today’s employment and claimant figures once again highlight how strong the economy is here in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands region at the moment, with businesses continuing to create jobs and drive the growth that is needed to fully rebalance the national economy.

“It’s also pleasing that earnings continue to increase and boost living standards – a focus on improving productivity from businesses will ensure this is sustainable.

“Businesses need a continued period of stability in order to deliver the growth and prosperity the country needs and the new Government has the opportunity to use its strengthened mandate to bring forward initiatives which will maintain and build upon the momentum the economy has built-up over the past two years.”