THE number of people claiming jobseekers allowance in Bromsgrove has fallen according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

According to the data, the number of unemployed claimants in the town last month was 980, 308 lower than in January 2013.

Nationally employment is up 193,000 in the latest quarter, with the number of people in full time work also rising.

Bromsgrove's MP and Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Sajid Javid, welcomed the news calling it "great news for aspiring people".

He said: "I'm pleased it's down significantly over the last three years, reaching one of the lowest rates in the country at 2.1 per cent. "Jobs growth is providing financial security to many hardworking families, but there is a lot more for us to do.

"We must stick to our long term economic plan."