UNEMPLOYMENT across the country has fallen to its lowest rate since 1974.

Data from the National Statistics reveals that the level fell by 65,000 to 1.3 million.

This means the current employment rate in Wales from January to March 19 now stands at 75.4 per cent - which is a 1.8 per cent increase from last year.

And from five years, the number of people now claiming jobseeker’s allowance in Newport and Torfaen have also fallen by 2,460 and 1,302 respectively.

MORE NEWS:

Newport County fan taken to hospital following play-off semi-final victory

Rachel Evans, from Newport Jobcentre Plus, said: “There are currently lots of fantastic employment opportunities across South East Wales.

“In Newport Jobcentre we are working closely with Amazon, who are recruiting 1600 employees for the opening of their new fulfilment centre in Bristol. Amazon are also looking into affordable transport solutions for employees. This has been an extremely popular opportunity and we look forward to the results of this recruitment.

“In Newport Jobcentre we are working closely with Amazon, who are recruiting 1600 employees for the opening of their new fulfilment centre in Bristol. Amazon are also looking into affordable transport solutions for employees. This has been an extremely popular opportunity and we look forward to the results of this recruitment."

MORE NEWS:

‘Prolific’ Cwmbran burglar Jed Andrews jailed again after targeting and trashing youth club

The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “Once again, the Welsh economy continues to show impressive growth with Wales experiencing the largest increase in the rate of employment of any part of the UK in the last year. These remarkable figures are testament to the UK Government’s commitment to creating the right conditions for economic growth and job creation across Wales in our businesses and enterprises.

“Through our Industrial Strategy and Export Strategy we are encouraging inward investment and maximising the exporting potential of businesses. By doing this the UK Government is generating international confidence in the Welsh economy, facilitating sustainable job creation that continues to grow year on year.”

And the Minister of State for Employment for the UK Government, Alok Sharma, added: “Maintaining our record employment rate with unemployment falling again to just 3.8 per cent, its lowest rate since 1974, once again shows the success of our balanced approach to managing the economy.

“Rising wages and booming higher-skilled employment means better prospects for thousands of families, and with youth unemployment halving since 2010, we are creating opportunities for all generations."