UNEMPLOYMENT has fallen by seven per cent in the Vale of Glamorgan, in a year.

In figures released yesterday, the Department of Work and Pensions revealed that there are currently 1,400 unemployed people in the Vale compared to 1,510 this time last year.

Youth unemployment has also fallen with the rate for 18-24 year olds falling by one per cent from 375 to 370.

It was also revealed that unemployment in Wales as a whole has fallen by 10,000 in the last three months alone, with 34,000 more people in work since this time last year.

It means the Welsh unemployment rate stands at 4.1 per cent, compared to the UK figure of 4.9 per cent.

Wales also saw one of the largest annual rises in private sector employment of any region in the UK, in the past year.

Cath Thomas, work services manager at the Job Centre said that they were "really delighted" with the figures.

"This is really positive news but we are not complacent and realise many more people still need our help," she said.

"We would urge people seeking work to contact their local job centre."

She also confirmed details of a jobs fair which will take place at Barry job centre on Wednesday, October 5 from 10am-2pm.

Employers such as Admiral, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Greene King, Allied, Wetherspoons and Total Security will be in attendance.

Commenting on the Welsh figures, minister for employment, Damian Hinds, said: "When it comes to our jobs market, we’ve made great progress since 2010 with employment up in every region.

"There’s good news in Wales, where employment is continuing to rise with 34,000 more people in work in the last year alone.

"Wales has also seen the largest annual rise in private sector employment of any nation or region across the UK.

"It’s important that we work to keep up this momentum so more people can make the most of opportunities available out there in the economy."