‘ERSA welcomes the latest ONS labour market statistics published today which show that the UK employment rate has reached a record high of 73.9%, with over half a million more people in work compared to this time last year.

‘This impressive figure shows the hard work of jobseekers and those who support them into work, including over 750,000 jobseekers supported into work through the Work Programme and 76, 960 who have started their own business while on the New Enterprise Allowance programme.

‘As 2015 draws to an end, it is clear to see the impact of the employment support sector on the lives of the jobseekers it works with, their families and the communities in which they live and work.’