UNEMPLOYMENT in Gwent has fallen from this time last year, figures have shown.

Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), released yesterday, showed that unemployment in the UK is down by 59,000 over the past year and is at its lowest rate since 1975.

In Wales, the unemployment rate has fallen on the quarter by 0.3 per cent to 4.1 per cent - equating to drop from 67,000 to 62,000.

The data is based on comparing the period of July to September with the same period last year.

There are currently 2,530 people claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit in Newport with a reduction of 255 from the same time last year.

In Caerphilly, 2,940 are claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit which is a reduction of 265 from the same time last year.

Blaenau Gwent has seen the biggest reduction in Gwent with a reduction of 305 claimants and 1,290 people currently on roll.

Monmouthshire currently has 540 people claiming the benefits with a reduction of 155 from the same time last year.

In Cwmbran, there are 1,370 claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit.

However, it is impossible to compare the Torfaen data year on year or month on month because of the introduction of Universal Credit’s Full Service in the borough in the quarter,

First Minister Carwyn Jones said that unemployment in Wales is "now close to an all time low", continues to be lower than the UK average and that Welsh Government are working to help businesses "prosper and grow".

"Companies such as recently launched Carpeo, who as a result of Welsh Government support are on course to create 300 jobs in Newport by 2022, show that our interventions are making a real difference to the quality of available jobs in communities right across Wales," he said.

Shadow economy secretary Russell George, commenting for the Welsh Conservatives, said: "Unemployment remains low here in Wales, and it is reassuring that the Welsh economy remains stable.

“That said, the Welsh Government needs to use the tools at its disposal to create the right conditions for economic growth".