Unemployment figures fall

Figures show that 373 fewer West Berkshire people claimed unemployment benefit last month compared to a year ago

HUNDREDS fewer West Berkshire people claimed unemployment benefit last month compared to Christmas 2009, according to the latest labour market figures.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics today (Wednesday) reveal that the number of people claiming benefit in December was 1,761 (1.8 per cent of the working population) - 53 fewer than the previous month and 373 fewer than the same time the previous year.

Of those claiming benefit, 1,183 were men (2.4 per cent of the working population) and 578 were women (1.2 per cent of the working population).