THE number of people on Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Waverley has dropped by 19 per cent over the last year.

Latest labour market figures show 373 people from the borough claimed the benefit this September, 88 people less than 12 months earlier.

Of these, there are 60 claimants in Waverley aged 18 to 24 compared to 70 a year before - marking a 14 per cent drop in this category.

Nationally, 20 per cent fewer people claimed JSA last September compared to the same month in 2014.

And the employment rate across the UK has risen to a new record high of 73.6 per cent, with the number of unemployed falling below 1.8 million for the first time since 2008.

Hazel Prior, an employment advisor at Aldershot Jobcentre, said local employment rates have been boosted by retailers employing staff ahead of the Christmas rush.

For information on job opportunities, work experience and upcoming employment events, call the Jobcentre on 01252 356500 or visit the website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk