THORNBURY and Yate MP Steve Webb has welcomed news that unemployment in the area is at its lowest level for a year.

In December 2012 the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance in the constituency was 904, down over 100 from its peak in March 2012 and a fall of 34 people month on month.

Unemployment among the under 25s in the area is down nearly ten per cent on a year earlier.

Mr Webb said: “I very much welcome this latest fall in unemployment in our area, and particularly the fall in youth unemployment which can have such a devastating effect on people at the start of their working life.

“Whilst the economic situation around the world remains difficult, it is good to see unemployment falling and more people in work.”

Out of the 650 constituencies in the UK, Thornbury and Yate is in the best 10 per cent for low unemployment rates.

Added Mr Webb: “A range of government programmes are helping people, including a big expansion of apprenticeships which give people the chance to gain skills and training as well as earning a wage.

“I am always keen to hear from any local business if there is anything more that I can do to help through these difficult economic times.”