WITH the unemployment rate across Britain at its lowest for more than a decade, there is also good news for Whitehill and Bordon, with those out of work falling in the 18-24 age group by seven per cent.

For those up to retirement age, unemployment has fallen by three per cent.

As a result, there are fewer people claiming unemployment benefits in the town.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said he welcomed the latest employment numbers, from the Office for National Statistics, that show a record 31.77million people are now in work - an increase of 2.7m since 2010 - with the unemployment rate holding at 4.9 per cent - the lowest rate for over a decade.

He said: “It’s good to see the trend in employment data continuing to deliver improvements, with some of the best results since records began in 1971.

“It’s 10 years since we’ve seen the unemployment rate as low as 4.9 per cent, and the proportion of unemployed 16 to 24 year olds, at 5.7 per cent, is close to the lowest on record.

“I’m also pleased to see the number of people aged 50 to 64 now in work has reached a record 8.58m, which shows that opportunities are being created for this important and growing part of the workforce.

“The total number of unemployed claimants in East Hampshire remains broadly unchanged at 364 which is 56 per cent lower than 2010,” he said.

There was more good news from Hazel Prior, of Jobcentre Plus in Aldershot, as she told the Herald: “We have jobs coming in all the time, and as the festive season approaches we can also offer temporary Christmas work.”

For those unable to find work because of barriers, such as having no skills or qualifications, Ms Prior said the Jobcentre runs training courses for the 18-to-24 age group and for veteran job seekers.

At Aldershot Jobcentre Plus, she said, Alex Todino was there to help anyone training on one of its courses, such as the information technology course.

The courses start on Friday, September 30, and travel to and from Aldershot is free.

“We are also working with the Gurkha Welfare Centre, especially on the language barrier, and they have kindly provided an interpreter which is such a help with our work.

“Combined with this, we are working with the National Careers Service and I would like to hear from any employers who have vacancies. I can offer a free interview room and we at the centre will be on hand to give our help and advise.”

Ms Prior said the Jobcentre Plus also worked closely with Radian, the Eastleigh-based affordable homes provider, and with the Prince’s Trust. Those aged 16 to 25 who are unemployed could have the chance to go on trips to places such as Dartmoor, she added.

For more details, call Hazel Prior on 01252 356511.