"EU leaders have now approved the legally-binding Withdrawal Agreement which sets out the terms of the UK's exit, and also the Political Declaration which sets out the framework for the future UK-EU relationship.

Figures released by the ONS show that employment has hit a record high - 32.26 million - up by more than 3 million since 2010, and the rate of employment is now at 75.4%; the highest since comparable records began in 1971.

Damian has welcomed the Spring Statement delivered by The Chancellor of the Exchequer this week, which shows that the economy continues to grow, continues to create jobs and continues to beat expectations.

On the first day of National Apprenticeship Week, Damian was delighted to welcome staff from the Froxfield-based Edward Barnsley Workshop to his office at the Department for Education.

New figures show that 11,000 more people in East Hampshire are now saving more for their retirement, due to changes made to workplace pensions.

The latest employment numbers from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of vacancies has reached a record high – 823,000 – offering more opportunities for individuals to join the 32.15 million people now in work.

Damian said:

Last week Damian signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day, and honouring those who were murdered and the survivors who work to educate young people today.

The latest employment numbers from the Office for National Statistics show that the rate of unemployment remains at 4.3% - the lowest since 1975 - and the employment is now at 75.3%, which is a joint record high.

Commenting on the numbers, Damian said:

Statement from Damian on his appointment as Secretary of State for Education: