THE number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Worcester has continued to fall.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics, released today (Wednesday, August 16) show they have dropped by 55, from 1,045 to 990.

Of that number, 230 people aged 18 to 24 are claiming benefits, a reduction of 25.

The figures are compared to the same time last year (July 16 – July 17).

Kirsty Dee, a Job Centre spokesman, said: "Worcester are currently working very closely with Cathedral Square on various recruitment campaigns.

"Worcester are also working with Crowngate to organise a retail jobs fair."

She added that a jobs fair, organised by this paper, Worcester News, is being held on Thursday, September 14 from 9am to 3.30pm in the Guildhall.

Elsewhere in the Malvern Hills, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits is 430, a slight increase of 10.

Of that figure, 110 people aged 18 to 24 are claiming benefits, a reduction of five.

A jobs fair is being held in Graham Road, Malvern, on Wednesday, September 6 from 11am to 2pm.

In Evesham, the number of claimants has seen an increase of 60, with 680 people claiming benefits.

Of that number, 130 are aged 18 to 24, a reduction of 20.