UNEMPLOYMENT levels in the Vale have once again fallen as national figures remain at historical lows.

The number of people out of work and claiming unemployment benefits has dropped to 1,130 in the Vale of Glamorgan – a year on year decrease of 11 per cent – while the number of those aged 18-24 looking for work fell to 280.

The figures reflect a general trend throughout the UK which has seen unemployment fall to its lowest levels since 1975.

The number of people classed as ‘economically inactive’, those who do not work or claim out of work benefits, has also dropped by 158,000 to become the lowest on record.

While unemployment is actually up slightly in Wales, this can be largely attributed to the increase in people considered ‘economically active’ over the past three months. It has still fallen as a percentage from around 5 per cent in February to 4.8 per cent this time around.

Overall, 72.6 per cent of those considered economically active in Wales are currently in work.

Work coach team leader Kath Thomas, from Alexandra House Jobcentre Plus in Cardiff, said: “The labour market is very buoyant in the area, there are plenty of opportunities in Cardiff and the Vale to find work.

“The job centre is very good at matching people to those vacancies and supplying them with the skills they need to succeed in those areas.

“We look at helping them to overcome barriers.

“My advice would be to just go to your local job centre and ask about the opportunities available at the moment.”

Ms Thomas added there were a number of upcoming opportunities for people looking to find work in the area in a variety of sectors.

Charles Street Jobcentre Plus in Cardiff is hosting a spring jobs fair on Wednesday, April 18 between 10am and 1pm, which will feature 27 different employers offering work in fields such as retail, care, call centres and logistics.

Opportunities are also set to arise in the near future at the new B&M Bargains store in Culverhouse Cross, as well as labouring work at the old Glyn Derw school site in Ely, where Acorn will be looking for staff specifically aged 18-24.

Alexandra House Jobcentre Plus will be holding interviews for both recruitment drives.

Secretary of state for work and pensions Esther McVey said: “Getting a job means securing an income for a family and the chance to build a better future.

“That’s why up and down the country we are doing all we can to help people into work.

“And from next month, we’ll be taking thousands more people out of paying tax and also increasing the National Living Wage, benefitting those on the lowest pay and making sure they keep more of what they earn.”