THE number of jobseekers allowance claimants has hit a new low in Waverley.

According to Department of Work and Pensions statistics there are 80 or 18 per cent fewer claimants than a year ago.

Nationally the latest labour market figures continue to show good news, with the employment rate rising to a new record high at 74.1 per cent, and more than 500,000 more people in work than this time last year.

The proportion of young people who are in work or full-time education is the highest it’s ever been, at 86 per cent and the claimant count has fallen to its lowest level since 1975. Employment in the South East has increased by more than 50,000 in the last year, and it has the second highest employment rate of all the UK regions at 77.6 per cent.

A spokesman for the Work and Pensions department told The Herald last week: “February was another record-breaking month as the employment rate is now the highest it has ever been, wages continue to grow strongly, and 150,000 more disabled people in work over the past year.

“People from all backgrounds, right up and down the country, are benefiting from our policies and now enjoying the security of a paycheque.”