EMPLOYMENT prospects are looking “good” based on figures providing the most up-to-date snapshot of the job market in the Vale.

Statistics released for all ages in the Vale of Glamorgan (Wednesday, June 17) show 1,537 people were claiming jobseekers allowance (JSA) – 443 less than at the same time last year and a 22 per cent fall.

In the 18 to 24-year-old category, 380 were claiming JSA – a 150 reduction from this time last year and a 28 per cent fall.

Work services manager for the DWP Cardiff & Vale Darren Gibbon said: “There’s more people going into work and there are more opportunities. The job centre is doing a good job linking up with local employers.”

He said the job centre in Holton Road, Barry was still undergoing some renovation works, following a fire, but the aim was for that work to be completed soon.

Responding to the Wales figures, UK employment minister Priti Patel said: “Figures confirm that our long-term economic plan is already starting to deliver a better, more prosperous future for the whole of the country, with wages rising, more people finding jobs and more women in work than ever before.

“As the Government for working people, we want to go further and create one nation that is based on security and opportunity.

“With an extra 10,000 people in work in Wales over the last year, we will continue to help Welsh businesses create jobs and support those who want to work hard and get on as part of our ambition to achieve full employment.”

Welsh Government First Minister Carwyn Jones said the figures showed the labour market in Wales continued to perform well.

He said: “Over the last quarter, employment in Wales has increased at a higher rate than across the UK as a whole, while the fall in economic inactivity in Wales is also outperforming the UK.

“Combined with other recently published key economic indicators, such as the second largest increase in disposable household income in the UK, these figures show our policies are making a difference for workers and their families.

“We are working to support the Welsh economy and create jobs in every part of Wales. Last year over 38,000 jobs were created, safeguarded or assisted by Welsh Government, while our record-breaking inward investment performance brought more than 100 new investment projects to Wales, creating and safeguarding almost 10,000 more jobs.

“These are real achievements and a clear demonstration of the confidence the private sector is showing in the Welsh economy.”