UNEMPLOYMENT in Bridgwater is continuing to fall, according to Government statistics released last week.

The figures show that the number of those now in employment in the Sedgemoor area has risen by more than 10% since March, 2010.

According to the statistics one of the main factors has been a 10.5% rise in the number of women gaining employment over the last four years.

There has also been a significant drop in short-term job seekers’ claims among young people and for those aged over 50.

MP for Bridgwater Ian Liddell- Grainger said: “I think it just shows that what’s going on in the Sedgemoor area is bearing fruit.

“The employment figures are looking much healthier in our area thanks to places like Bridgwater College doing an excellent job in preparing young people for employment and also things like the upskilling of the Hinkley Point workforce.”

However despite the rise in employment, the statistics show that the Sedgemoor area is still behind the rest of Somerset when it comes to the number of people out of work.

Currently 6.1% of the population in the district are registered unemployed, compared to 4.8% across the rest of Somerset, which Mr Liddell-Grainger feels can and will be improved on.

He said: “Historically we have always had slightly higher unemployment in Bridgwater than the rest of Somerset but the figures are definitely looking better.

This Government has made it very clear that people have to earn their benefits now and that people who want to work can and will find work.”

The news was also greeted by Labour councillor Mick Lerry but feels that more needs to be done to reduce long-term unemployment.

Cllr Lerry said: “Yes unemployment is down in the area which is welcome news but the number of people employed on part-time or zero-hour contracts has risen, which is something that needs to be addressed.

“We also need a much bigger push to focus on long term unemployment of 18 to 24-yearolds where we have actually seen unemployment increase over the last few years.

“The drive on recruitment for Hinkley C should see this improve but we need to make sure that the people in Bridgwater are able to compete in the job market with those coming in externally.”