MORE jobs, a rise in the average weekly wage and a drop in unemployment - Sedgemoor's future is looking bright for 2014.

Sedgemoor District Council economy chief Phill Adams has told the Weekly News things are “looking positive” with around 400 people going back to work in Sedgemoor in a year.

He said: “This time last year, unemployment was at around 2.8%, but it has dropped by about 0.5% and anything below 3% is relatively healthy.

“Last year, there were 17,700 jobs available, but that number has risen to 18,600.

“The average weekly wage last year in Sedgemoor was £446.50, but this has also risen to £470.02.”

Nationally, unemployment rose in February this year due to an economic dip, but since then unemployment rates have gone down from 3.1% to 2.5% in Sedgemoor.

There has been a boom in construction, trade skills, logistics and manufacturing jobs.

Mr Adams said: “Mulberry in Bridgwater has generated around 300 jobs and 1,500 people have been employed at Morrisons, not to mention Hinkley C.

“However, having the right skills set is a problem locally. I'd encourage people to undergo training in the sectors which they know will be booming in 2014 to secure better job prospects.”

Those who already have training in the skills mentioned should register with EDF Energy's Employment Brokerage Unit to hear about jobs available - call 01278-438132.

BLOB The £1billion contract signed last week by AgustaWestland to supply 16 helicopters plus support and training to the Norwegian government is being hailed as a boost for Somerset's strong aerospace and advanced engineering sectors.

The AW101 helicopters will be assembled at AgustaWestland's Yeovil facility and the contract will safeguard more than 3,000 jobs at the company and many more in the local supply chain.

Rupert Cox, chief executive of Into Somerset, the inward investment organisation, welcomed the news.

He said: “We are delighted that one of our valuable patrons continues to be so successful in winning new orders on a global stage. Despite the challenging economic climate, AgustaWestland has led the way for Somerset's manufacturers.”