UNEMPLOYMENT has dropped in Newport and across Gwent.

Figures released show there are 2,790 people in Newport claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, down 85 since last month.

Figures were also down across Gwent by between 35 and 105, with the number across Wales having fallen by more than 400 to 40,419.

Speaking yesterday Clare Djordjevitch from Cwmbran Jobcentre Plus said: “There are a lot of job opportunities available throughout South East Wales at the moment.

“A few examples of the jobs currently being advertised via Universal Jobmatch include prison officers, customer service agents, retail assistants, call centre agents and hospitality opportunities.

“We still have huge numbers of jobs available in the care industry and we held a care sector jobs fair yesterday in Newport to fill more than 100 vacancies in the local area.”

Across the UK unemployment was at its lowest level since 1975, with 31.95 million people in work, up 372,000 compared with a year ago. This means 74.8 per cent of people are employed.

First minister Carwyn Jones welcomed the news, saying: “As a pro-business government, we have been working hard to create the right economic conditions to support business in order to create and safeguard jobs right across Wales.

“Latest export statistics for Wales are up by 11.9 per cent on the previous, outperforming the UK average.

“This means the value of Welsh exports increased by £1,390 million last year.”

He added: “Our support for Welsh businesses is making a difference and reaping rewards.

“Caerphilly-based aerospace company AerFin, who received Welsh Government support for site expansion in 2015, was this week named the fastest growing privately-owned firm for international sales in the UK.

“This shows just how Welsh Government intervention is working to grow our economy and create better jobs closer to home.”

And the UK Government’s work and pensions secretary David Gauke said: “This government wants to give everyone the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live or their background.

“There’s good news in Wales, employment is up on the year and is at a near record high of 1.44 million people in work. The employment rate has also risen one per cent on the year to 72.9%.

“This is good news for families as we continue to build a stronger, fairer Britain.”