The number of people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen again with just 1.1 per cent of the working age population making a benefits claim. Locally, people claiming benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in West Worcestershire numbered 469 – down 62 per cent since 2010 and three lower than in May. Just 115 people aged between 18 and 24 are claiming either Jobseekers’s Allowance or Universal Credit. Harriett commented: “The continuing trend of low unemployment is very good news with just over one per cent of the working population having to claim benefit set against a national rate of 2.4 per cent. “It was good to visit a new café which opened in Upton recently, offering work to three young people straight from school. “I am keen to support new ventures as they start up and create new jobs and we must continue working towards our ambition of full employment in the county.”