NEARLY 1,000 less people in Inverclyde are claiming jobseeker’s allowance than a year ago, according to latest official labour market statistics.

New figures show that there were 1,805 people in receipt of the benefit in the district last month, compared with 2,738 claimants in June 2013 — a difference of 933.

However, Inverclyde’s overall unemployment figure remains doggedly above the rate for Scotland as a whole and the corresponding figure for the UK.

But local Jobcentre Plus bosses today insisted that they are ‘encouraged’ by the new data which they say represents an ‘improving picture overall’.

Spokeswoman Jenny Dee told the Telegraph: “There have been some pretty positive developments over the course of the last year and this is reflected in the jobseeker’s allowance figures.

“This is a good news story for Inverclyde’s young people because the labour market is much more buoyant locally.

“We have seen new employers moving into the area, notably B&Q at Port Glasgow, the new Co-op in Greenock, the opening of Aldi — and call centres are recruiting again.

“There’s also the prospect of Inverclyde having its own whisky distillery before too long, a development very well reported by the Telegraph.” Miss Dee added: “Jobcentre Plus staff are working closely with local employers and we can say today that two thirds of jobseekers are finding work within a six-month period. There are also wage incentives offered to encourage employers to employ young people.” There are currently 38,000 people in Inverclyde graded as ‘economically active’ — 35,500 of whom are employed.

A total of 2,900 people are self employed within the district and there are currently 3,200 unemployed people.

Inverclyde — which has a total population of 80,300 according to 2013 data — has an 8.2 per cent unemployment rate, according to figures up to March, compared with 7.3 per cent for Scotland and 7.2 per cent for the UK.

The average gross weekly full-time wage in the district stands at £489 — £515.70 for men and £400.20 for women.

National figures for Scotland as a whole show average gross full-time earnings of £508 per week — £546.30 for men and £453 for women.

To see the full stats for Inverclyde online log on to www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/contents.aspx