THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits in Ceredigion has dropped by five per cent since last year, new figures show.

The news comes despite a small rise of 25 more people claiming the benefits on the previous month, which still represents a 50 per cent reduction on 2010.

Ceredigion remains among the Welsh counties with the lowest claimant rate in Wales with only 1.2 per cent.

Ceredigion Job Centre manager Shan Gwyn said: “Today’s figures show that we have a total of 555 unemployed within Ceredigion which represents a five per cent decrease on year.

“Of the total, 145 are aged between 18-24 which represents a 12 per cent decrease on year. The overall position is representative of a 50 per cent reduction since 2010.

“In Wales the employment rate is at a near record high of 73.3 per cent and female unemployment in Wales is at a near record low of 24,000.

“We continue to see the benefits of a buoyant labour market here in Ceredigion with opportunities in various sectors.

“We have been promoting the National Hospitality Works employment theme month which promotes the benefits of working within this sector.

“This has been timely for us in Ceredigion with the annual increase in vacancies within the hospitality sector.”

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