CEREDIGION remains among the lowest in Wales in terms of the proportion of residents claiming out-of-work benefits.

But the number of people in Ceredigion claiming benefits while registered as a job seeker with the Job Centre is the highest it has been since April at 495, or 1.1 per cent of the economically active population.

The figure is the third-lowest in Wales, behind only Monmouthshire (one per cent) and Powys (0.8 per cent).

Ceredigion performs far better than both the Welsh average of 1.9 per cent and the UK average of 1.9 per cent, with Job Centre manager Shan Gwyn hailing the “buoyant” jobs market in the county.

She said: “Another positive position to report on the unemployment front this month again. Nationally unemployment remains at a four-decade low of 4.5 per cent, which is the lowest rate since 1975.

“Ceredigion has also seen another fall with a total of 495 on the claimant count.

“We have continued to see a buoyant labour market in Ceredigion with vacancies available in various sectors.

“Home Bargains are currently recruiting for the new store due to open in January, and Dosbarth, the recruitment agency who recruit supply teachers and learning support assistants, also been promoting current vacancies.”

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