UNEMPLOYMENT in Bridgwater is continuing to fall faster than the national average according to the latest Government statistics.

In July there were 1,164 people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) in Bridgwater and West Somerset meaning a reduction of 575 people from this time last year.

This means that overall 1.8% of the Bridgwater and West Somerset population are claiming JSA down from 3.7% which is well below the national average of 2.4% which has fallen by 1%.

However, Labour Cllr Mick Lerry (right) says that although the news on the whole is good, more must be done to help young people compete in what is an increasingly competitive job market.

The figures show that the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming JSA across Sedgemoor is still above the national average at 3.9% compared to 3.7%.

Cllr Lerry said: “With a huge project like Hinkley C coming it has to be a priority to make sure that the young people of Bridgwater can benefit.

Sue Kessell from Job Centre Plus told the Mercury: “We are working with employers to organise work experience for young people.

We are also doing a lot with sector based work acadamies where, if we identify a particular area where there will be a recruitment drive, we will work with employers in that sector to offer training.”