UNEMPLOYMENT in the Vale of Glamorgan has fallen by almost nine per cent since this time last year.

The claimant count currently stands at 1,280 having fallen from 1,405 in November 2016, a decrease of 8.9 per cent.

Youth unemployment for 18-24 year olds in the Vale has fallen from 365 to 340 in the last year, which is a decrease of 6.8 per cent.

Unemployment in Wales currently lies at 4.1 per cent.

Job centre work coach team leader Cath Thomas said that the local labour market is “buoyant”.

“The job centre is here to support people back into work and give them what they need to make sure they are better off in work.

“Our advice for people who need help would be to come in to see a work coach and have a chat.”

She highlighted the number of building projects going on in the Vale and the recruitment of skilled trades and labourers associated with these.

She said the strongest industries in the region at the moment are retail, security and hospitality as well as care and support work.

She also highlighted the Christmas recruitment drive from businesses such as Next, Debenhams, Argos and Marks and Spencer with lots going in Cardiff which may be of interest to Vale residents.

These include the opening of a new Premier Inn hotel, the Tim Hortons coffee shop and the introduction of the new Motonovo Finance company.

There are a number of health and well-being events being organised at job centres in the capital on November 29 in Charles Street and December 7 in Alexandra House.

First minister Carwyn Jones said: “The unemployment rate in Wales fell faster than the UK as a whole over the quarter and continues to be lower than the UK average.

“At just 4.1 per cent, unemployment in Wales is now close to an all time low.

“We are continuing to work hard to support businesses across Wales to prosper and grow, and companies such as recently launched Carpeo, who as a result of Welsh Government support are on course to create 300 jobs in Newport by 2022, show that our interventions are making a real difference to the quality of available jobs in communities right across Wales.”