Youth employment is at record levels across the county according to employment figures announced today (April 20). Young people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen again with just 120 people aged between 18 and 24 making a claim. People claiming benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit in West Worcestershire numbered 515 – 23 lower than the same period last year – representing just 1.3 per cent of the working-age population. The national average is 2.5 per cent. Harriett commented: “The latest ONS figures show that the number of people locally claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance remains at low levels although there has been a slight increase this month. “The level of vacancies remains at record high levels and I visit companies each week who are looking to take on new staff and are struggling to find the right candidates. “As a Government, we are doing all we can to help every person looking for a job to get the security of a regular pay packet and this work will continue as we work towards full employment in West Worcestershire.”