UNEMPLOYMENT throughout Inverclyde has fallen from this time last year.

The number of people aged between 18 and over 60 claiming jobseeker’s allowance and universal credit last month fell seven per cent, with 1,480 people on the register.

The outlook for people aged between 18 and 24 is also going in the right direction too, with a 16 per cent drop in the number of claimants.

Yvonne O’Hara, a partnership manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, said it’s good news for the area.

She said: “Inverclyde continues to see a significant downward trend.

“In June this year, the number of total claimants was 1,480 which is a reduction of 110 from June last year.

“But if we compare it back to 2010, it’s a 39 per cent reduction which is a big reduction on the register.

“I think it’s really positive news and shows that Inverclyde is quite buoyant.”

Ms O’Hara acknowledged that there have been job losses in the area but was keen to highlight the ongoing recruitment which is taking place too, highlighting the expansion at the retail park in Port Glasgow.

She said: “The retail park is starting to take shape.

“Aldi are due to open in the winter but they have vacancies online and are making use of the job centre premises for interviews.

“TK Maxx are recruiting for most of this month, as they are looking for staff to be in place by August in time for the September opening.

“As well as this B&M are taking online applications, so we are supporting people at the job centre by helping them fill out the forms.

“The job centre is also working closely with Watt Brothers for the recruitment at their store in Port Glasgow.”