VALE youth unemployment has fallen by almost a half in six years.

Figures released yesterday have revealed the rate has fallen by 49 per cent since 2010.

The total claimant count in the Vale stands at 1355, which is 150 or 10 per cent less than this time last year.

Operations manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, Matthew Thomas said: "These are good figures but we are not complacent.

"We know there is more work to do but the employment rate is high and we have had success with our skills coaches to help people find work."

It was also revealed that a jobs fair is headed to the Vale in October.

A wide range of employers and partners with vacancies will be present at the event, which is likely to be held in Barry.

"We encourage people to come along whether they are looking for a job or help," Mr Thomas added.

"It is set to be jam packed with employers. We also encourage anyone who needs help in the meantime to visit our website or pop in to the Penarth or Barry job centres."

Commenting on the Wales wide figures, first minister Carwyn Jones said: "The labour market in Wales continues to perform strongly with an unemployment rate of 4.3 per cent, which is lower than the UK average for a fifth consecutive month.

"Over the past 12 months, Wales has seen unemployment fall faster than anywhere else in the UK.

"We are ahead of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland with unemployment declining at a rate more than twice the UK average and now standing well below the UK rate of 4.9 per cent.

"Over the same period, employment in Wales has also increased by 17,000 and is close to its highest recorded level."