THERE were 80 fewer out-of-work-benefit claimants in Newport last month, according to the latest Labour Market Statistics published today.

In March this year in Newport there were 3,080 people aged 16 and over who were claiming for job seekers allowance, carers allowance, disabled allowance and ESA and incapacity benefits.

However in April, this amount dropped to 2,980, with 20 of these aged 18 to 24.

In Gwent, Newport has seen the highest drop in both male and female job seekers claimants, with a drop of 72, compared to Blaenau Gwent’s drop of 61.

The number of job seekers claimants in Newport now stands at 2,420, with Blaenau Gwent’s standing at 1,430, Torfaen’s at 911, and Monmouthshire having the lowest amount at 517.

According to the Office for National Statistics, which publishes the figures, the employment rate increased more than any other UK region over the quarter and is at a record high.

Over the year in Wales, employment has risen by 74,000, while unemployment has decreased by 26,000.

The unemployment level in Wales now stands at 74,000, and is at its lowest level since 2008.

Alun Cairns, secretary of state for Wales, said: "This is a hat-trick of good news for the Welsh jobs market. Across the country, the investment we have put into rebalancing the economy and welfare reform is now paying dividends with record numbers coming off benefits and into work.

"Yet again, we are seeing an unemployment rate below the national average as Wales shows an increasingly confident and entrepreneurial face to the world. Stephen Williams, work service manager of JobCentre Plus in Caldicot and Chepstow has said the significant increase in employment in Wales, and in Gwent, is down to job fairs and extra help to the public.

He said: “There’s been a lot more incentive recently.

“We [Job Centre] invest a lot of money into personal sessions.

“We work close with places like Newport City Homes, and we invest a lot of money into personal sessions with customers to support them properly.”

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “It is pleasing to see the labour market in Wales outperform all other regions of the UK and continue to go from strength to strength.

“Employment has risen faster in Wales than any other part of the UK over the past quarter and is now at a record high of 72.5 per cent.”