NORTH Swindon MP Michael Wills has welcomed new figures that show 1,050 people in his constituency have been helped into work by the New Deal scheme sponsored by his Labour government.

He said getting more people off benefits and into work has been a priority for the Labour since it was elected at the general election in 1997.

"The New Deal has made a big difference and in North Swindon it has helped more than 1,000 people get off benefits and get into work," said Mr Wills.

"We have clearly made progress on jobs and are determined to go much further to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn new skills, gain the right qualifications and then on to work."