A POLITICAL war of words has broken out over new figures which show unemployment is falling in the Stockton North constituency.

Chris Daniels, Conservative parliamentary candidate for the seat, said the figures reveal 1,551 fewer people in the district claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance - a 40 per cent drop since 2010.

Labour MP for the area, Alex Cunningham, also welcomed the news but sounded a note of caution, warning the figures mask a more complicated reality about the state effectively funding poorly paid jobs.

Mr Daniels said: “People are getting off benefits and into work right across Teesside. 1,500 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance in Stockton North is excellent news. It’s clear that the Conservatives’ long term economic plan is delivering a more financially secure future for families in our area. Voters in Stockton North will have a clear choice to make in May, in the most important election we’ve had in a generation.”

However Mr Cunningham said real situation was more complicated. He said: “I have no doubt that the high level of people (on benefits) sanctioned often unfairly, as well as low paid, part time and zero hour contract jobs have led to the reduction. This is borne out by the huge increase in the cost of in-work benefits costing the taxpayer billions more than in 2010 as the state has to top of people's incomes in order to help them live."