Fall in 1066 country jobseeker's benefits claimants

There are 285 fewer claimants in Hastings and St Leonards from October to December, a drop of 16 per cent from this time last year.

And in Rother, there has been an 18 per cent decrease with 140 fewer claimants.

Across the south east there are 7,900 fewer claimants which is a fall of 13.9 per cent, and unemployment has dropped 33,000 from 2015.

Jobcentre manager Chaquita Moore said: “We are working really well with local hospitality employers as they gear up for their annual recruitment securing local jobs for local people.

“Starting with the Combe Haven Holiday park recruitment day this Saturday (February 20).

“For more information on this, speak to your local Jobcentre.”

The number of people in work in the south east has increased by 54,000 from this time last year, and by 12,00 from the last period.

Nationally, the employment rate hit another record high of 74.1 per cent.

Secretary of state for work and pensions Iain Duncan Smith said: “February is another record-breaking month as the employment rate is now the highest it has ever been, wages continue to grow strongly, and 150,000 more disabled people in work over the past year.

“People from all backgrounds, right up and down the country, are benefiting from our policies and now enjoying the security of a paycheque.

“Employment in the South East has increased by over 50,000 in the last year, and it has the second-highest employment rate of all the UK regions at 77.6 per cent.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.