NEW labour market figures show a ‘more positive picture’ for the Leigh area.

In total, there are 873 fewer claimants than a year ago and 285 fewer young people claiming Job Seekers Allowance.

The figures reflect a national trend which has seen the largest annual fall in unemployment since records began over 40 years ago.

There are now more than half a million fewer unemployed people in the country than there was a year ago accroding to the Labour Market Statistics released today, Wednesday, by the Office for National Statistics.

The unemployment rate has also fallen again - to six per cent - a new six-year low - compared to an unemployment rate of 7.7 per cent a year ago.

Sue Timperley, a spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions for the Greater Manchester district, said: “It is a much more positive picture out there.

“There are lots of work experience opportunities for young people and those that take them up tend to be offered job with their host employer.

“There is much more on offer for people and the figures are showing that.”

Employment Minister Esther McVey said: “All of our reforms are focused on helping people into work.

“Behind today’s figures there are countless individual stories of people turning their lives around, of families who are now feeling more secure with a regular wage, and of young people escaping unemployment and building a career.

“We know there is always more to do, which is why it is vital to stick to delivering a plan for full employment that's creating growth and jobs."