WORCESTER'S MP has welcomed the latest employment figures, which show a slight fall in the number of people out of work.

Robin Walker says the city is 'on track' to have its lowest year on record for joblessness, with the average unemployment rate for 2016 standing below 1.6 per cent.

Yesterday (Wednesday), figures revealed that during September, 1,035 people in Worcester claimed unemployment benefit, down from August’s total of 1,055.

However, 25 more people are out of work compared to September 2015.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: "It is good to see the local figure coming down again on a monthly basis, but more importantly we are on track to having the lowest year on record for unemployment in Worcester.

"The average rate for the year as a whole is just below 1.6 per cent - which is where it sits now. Should we reach the end of the year and that still be the case, then that would be a remarkable situation because it will be the lowest year-on-year record throughout the year.

"Clearly the numbers fluctuate month-to-month and we have seen over the last six months ups and downs - but they have been very small compared to what we have seen in the past."

However, government figures showed the number of unemployed people aged 18 to 24 has risen once again, from 270 in August to 280 in September.

And compared with last year, the numbers have risen by eight per cent.

"I think it is important to remember that the population of Worcester keeps increasing and the claimant count remains low," said Mr Walker.

"Clearly, it is something we can never let up on making sure we have got a constant focus on how we support businesses. The real challenge for government is to reach those people who are furthest from the market."