SWINDON is set to win praise today from a government minister for its booming economy and exceptional workforce.

Andrew Smith, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary, will tell town workers they have attracted high quality companies to the area and helped secure a bright future for Swindon.

And in an upbeat speech to the town's T&G trade union conference today, he will say Swindon is leading the country when it comes to economic growth and employment.

Mr Smith is expected to say: "Swin-don's well skilled and flexible Labour force has attracted top companies to the area and has proved able to adapt as new industries have grown that's why it leads the South West on jobs."

And he will add: "Swindon has a vibrant job market with an employment rate well above the UK average.

"Like any dynamic economy, there will be change in some areas, but manufacturing is holding up well.

"Already manufacturing accounts for one in six jobs in Swindon with a further 2,300 manufacturing jobs already notified to Jobcentre Plus in Swindon and Wiltshire this year."

Mr Smith is due to deliver the speech to employees of Triumph International, Swindon Pressings, Copper Avon Tyres, and Sauer Danfoss.

His comments come as official figures revealed Swindon has an employment rate of 81.9 per cent, compared to the South West Average of 78.5 per cent.