YOUTH unemployment has fallen 60 per cent in Redditch since 2010 - as the latest joblessness figures showed another boost across the county.

New data published by the Office for National Statistics has revealed how the economic recovery is continuing its upward momentum.

When Mrs Lumley was elected in 2010 there were 2,497 claiming out of work benefits in Redditch and 670 claimants aged 18 to 24.

The number of JSA claimants has fallen to 1,217 (down by 1,280), with the level of young people claiming down to 265 (a fall of 405).

Claims of over 12 months duration has also fallen by 120 (down to 330).

The data has been lauded by Redditch MP Karen Lumley, despite claims the growth in low paid, part-time jobs are massaging the figures.

Overall unemployment has fallen 43 per cent since 2010.

The MP said: “I am thrilled to see that for the first time the number of JSA claimants in Redditch has fallen below half the level it was in 2010.

"The fact that youth unemployment is down by 60 per cent is also something to really shout about. Of course there’s still a long way to go but the important thing is that these figures are falling and doing so at some pace.

"Not only are there now a record number of people in work but the number of people in full time work is also at an all-time high. What’s more, thanks to this Government’s welfare reforms all of these people know that they’ll be earning more in work than they could on benefits."

The overall number of people claiming unemployment benefits has fallen to 6,074 across Worcestershire for June - a drop of 485 on the previous month and 3,144 below June 2013.

It has plunged by 2,000 since January alone and now stands at its lowest level since July 2008.

Mrs Lumley added: "This is another clear sign that the Government’s long-term economic plan is working, building a stronger, healthier economy.

"The only way to get living standards up sustainably is to keep growing the economy and creating jobs.

"The biggest risk to families’ economic security would be abandoning this plan. I will continue to do all I can to help those in Redditch who need to find work.”