THE unemployment rate in Worcester has stayed below 1,000 for the fifth consecutive month.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, has welcomed the release of November's unemployment figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This marks the first time on record that unemployment has remained below 1,000 in Worcester for such a sustained period, with November’s month-on-month drop of 40 also representing the sharpest fall in jobless numbers in two years.

At 940 – or 1.4 percent of the working-age population – November’s unemployment rate in the city is the lowest it has been since December 2015 following a fall throughout 2017.

Young people contributed to half of November’s fall in unemployment, with 20 fewer 18-24 year olds out of work in Worcester from last month to 200, the sharpest decline in youth unemployment this year, and the second lowest figure since records began.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester said: “I am really glad to see that, for the first time on record, Worcester has not only sustained an historically low jobless rate below 1,000 but that November also represented the largest monthly drop in the city’s unemployment rate for two years.

"Having remained at 1.5 percent for some time, it is welcome news to see it back down to 1.4 percent for the first time since 2015.

“These are not just impressive statistics – every single drop in the figures represents someone moving out of joblessness and into work, education, or training, and gaining the skills, confidence and independence that secure work offers.

"In particular, the continued decline in the city’s youth unemployment is a really positive sign for the future, and for women in Worcester the unemployment rate is now at just 0.9 percent.”

“With recent visits on Small Business Saturday and to speak to employees at Worcester Bosch, I’ve had the opportunity to meet local employers both large and small and hear the priorities for them and their employees.

"Under this Government the Conservatives have helped businesses create 1,000 jobs a day on average, and with continued investment in training and technology we are continuing to ensure our economy is fit for the future.”

Nationally, employment is at 32.08 million people in work.