UNEMPLOYMENT levels in the Malvern Hills District have fallen slightly over the past month.

Official figures show 382 people in the district – 251 men and 131 women – were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in November, or 0.9 per cent of working-age people.

This is a decrease of six claimants compared to October.

But unemployment has still fallen significantly since this time last year when 479 people were on the dole – or 1.1 per cent of those aged 16 to 64.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: “Across West Worcestershire, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance continues to fall with just 458 people claiming benefits in November – down by two thirds since 2010.

“Vacancies are at record levels and more and more local people are enjoying the security of a regular pay packet.

"There is still work to do so we can achieve our target of full employment in West Worcestershire but I am pleased to visit companies week by week who report they are creating new jobs and taking on extra staff to create greater economic security for us all."

Unemployment in the whole of Worcestershire fell by 216, with drops of 60 and 45 in Worcester and Wychavon respectively.

Duncan Campbell, a Jobcentre Plus manager, put down the unemployment decreases in part to seasonal recruitment, businesses being “more bullish” and improved opportunities across all sectors.

He said: “Overall the number of job opportunities are on the increase, wages are growing and the new universal credit system is speeding up how quickly people are finding jobs.

“It is fantastic news.”