Less than one per cent of people in North Somerset are claiming out-of-work benefits, new figures have revealed.

The number of people claiming these benefits has been steadily falling each month this year.

North Somerset is following the trend of the whole of the South West, with the entire region recording just 1.1 per cent of people on these benefits.

Just 1,150 people claimed out-of-work benefits in June in North Somerset.

This number has fallen dramatically from the 3,465 people who claimed them in January 2013.

More than 2.7 million people are now in employment in the South West, which is one of the highest levels in the country.

Employment minister, Damian Hinds, said: “We’re determined to make Britain a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

“This includes helping more people of all ages and abilities to get into, and stay in, work.

“There’s good news in the South West, with an employment rate of 77.9 per cent. Clearly, good progress has been made.

“I’m encouraged to take forward the agenda to create an even more resilient labour market.”