UNEMPLOYMENT in Worcester has fallen to a near-record low - with the number of jobseekers dropping back to below 1,000.

New data for June revealed how 995 people were claiming unemployment benefits in the city last month, with 25 extra people back in work.

The figures - the last set of data before the EU referendum - also showed declines in the jobless tally across south Worcestershire.

Worcester's figure is 81 lower than 12 months ago with city MP Robin Walker, the new Brexit minister, saying he wants to see further drops over the coming months.

"These are another good set of figures showing that Worcester’s economy is strong and we are out performing the core performance of the UK as a whole," he said.

"Following the referendum I know businesses and investors require reassurance, I'm confident we can continue to deliver a strong economy and great job prospects.

"In the last couple of weeks I have met with a large number of local businesses and I am making sure their concerns get taken up by the Government.

"There are also big opportunities in this situation and I am delighted that my new role in Government will give me a chance to influence those."

In West Worcestershire the number of claimants was 469, down by three compared to May, while in Mid-Worcestershire it was 512, down by 12.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: "The continuing trend of low unemployment is very good news with just over one per cent of the working population (in the constituency) having to claim benefit set against a national rate of 2.4 per cent."

The Wyre Forest also saw a fall with 699 people claiming the benefits, a drop of seven.

Bromsgrove went up seven to 555 while Redditch increased by four to 889.

Nationally, the Office for National Statistics say more people are in work than ever before.

The number of people in jobs is now at a record high of 31.7, million and the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in over a decade.