UNEMPLOYMENT figures in Herefordshire are the lowest they have been in more than ten years, according to statistics from Jobcentre Plus.

There were 980 people in Herefordshire claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in November 2014.

This compares to the most recent high of 2,690 in November 2009.

And in the city of Hereford figures paint a similar picture.

Jamie Jacobsen from Jobcentre Plus said: "Figures continue to fall for those who are unemployed.

"Hereford's highest ever register of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in recent years was in 2009 with 1,855.

"Our figures released are just 610. That is a third of where we were in 2009 and it is a similar pattern across Herefordshire."

In Leominster the figure is currently 385 compared to 830 in 2009.

And in Ross-on-Wye it has dropped to 95 compared to 365 in 2009.

The figures from the three job centres do not add up to the county amount as they also serve residents outside of the county.

Mr Jacobsen said: "There is a continuing good picture for young people- 18 to 24.

"The highest number was in 2009 when it was 775. It is currently 260."

He said the job centre has helped young people gain voluntary work placements to get the right experience to help them find employment.

Mr Jacobsen also said there are a variety of jobs on offer across all sectors.

He said: "I think it is the buoyant economy- that has certainly helped.

"We are noticing a higher number of vacancies coming in at the moment."

Mr Jacobsen said on their universal job matching website over the last seven days in Hereford, 300 new vacancies have been added.

He said: "We haven't got a crystal ball. But all indications at the moment seem to be that this upturn in the economy will continue."